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Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
How To Become A Heavenly Apologist
1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
Okay. I'm really the last person in this world to tell you how to become a Heavenly Apologist... or an apologist of any kind. There are far greater minds in my circle of friends, that can tell you how to do that. But what I do want to share is my own experience of how the Lord is transforming little ol' me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, from an Earthly Apologist into a Heavenly Apologist regardless of my weak intellectual capacity.
To start, I guess definitions are in order.
What is an Earthly Apologist? In my weakly, wimpified, Webster way (quite the alliteration--wouldn't you agree?) I believe an Earthly Apologist is an unbeliever or a pragmatic Christian. Obviously the latter is the lesser of the two wrongs, but it is still in the category of undesirable if you are a professed believer. Which is part of the reason for this post. I am hoping that some of you can sidestep some of the snares that I fell (and fall) into while running this race. An Earthly Apologist is someone who uses results in words, thoughts, ideas and circumstances to teach, explain and live out truth. It is elevating sight above faith. It is elevating man's wisdom above God's wisdom.
How am I an Earthly Apologist? I take thoughts and ideas based on past experiences, and make them doctrine in my life instead of examining and relying on scripture for the outcome. Parenting ideas; fellowship conversations; marriage advice; and ministry dealings are the start of where I have practiced my earthly apologetics philosophy. Whatever "worked," was biblical and of God, and whatever didn't was tossed aside or ignored, even if it was an explicit command in God's word. My future actions hinged on whether my past experiences had achieved a certain level of "success" and I would act accordingly in my next dealings. I was continually disappointed, frustrated and sometimes angry with God because I just couldn't understand why something had worked in one area or at one time, but it did not work now. It was so frustrating and an ungodly way to live. It doesn't help that I tend to be an uncreative, gray, in-the-box thinker, which made me even more disappointed with how I thought things ought to be going and what the reality of things were at the present time. While I professed a heavenly mind, I spoke and lived as an Earthly Apologist in attitude and deed.
How I'm becoming a Heavenly Apologist. Only by God's grace, am I becoming a Heavenly Apologist, would be my first point. It is His gift to my soul and in my bumbling, clumsy, awkward way, I am learning that part of the maturing, molding and refining aspects of my life are in the area of my attitudes and thought patterns in the way I think and act. So first, what is a Heavenly Apologist? Well, to say that I could give a full definition would be a grave mistake because I haven't been given the ability to be relieved of this simple mind and grasp the full impact of what eternal living will be like, but I do believe that a Heavenly Apologist is first and foremost, an eternal value thinker. Everything that this person desires (and what I hope to achieve) is centered around magnifying God's glory; gratefully appreciating everything about the cross; submitting to the lordship of Jesus in all things; and truly believing that the scriptures are inerrant and sufficient for every day, detailed thoughts, words and deeds. "But I already do that," you say. Well, then you can go read about the new action-packed, but emotionless James Bond movie at the MSN website.
But for the rest of you, I do hope that some of you will forge ahead with me.
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes depravity. Romans 3:9-10--What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;"
A Heavenly Apologist is saved by God. John 14:6--Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."
Romans 2:4--Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
Romans 9:16--So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.
Ephesians 1:5--He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
A Heavenly Apologist understands God's sovereignty in all things. Daniel 4:17--This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers. And the decision is a command of the holy ones, In order that the living may know. That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes, And sets over it the lowliest of men."
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes Jesus' authority in all things. Matthew 28:18--And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
A Heavenly Apologist understands the role of scripture in the Christian life (oops, I mean Heavenly Apologist's life) and therefore, is called to study it, learn it and practice it. II Timothy 2:15--Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
II Timothy 3:16--All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
Deuteronomy 5:29--Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!
A Heavenly Apologist does not doubt in unbelief. Romans 3:4--May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, THAT YOU MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS, AND PREVAIL WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED."
Hebrews 11:6--And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes that everything personal and corporate must be built on the chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 3:11--For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
A Heavenly Apologist cares not for his/her life. Mark 8:34-36--And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?"
A Heavenly Apologist is repentant. II Corinthians 7:10--For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
A Heavenly Apologist loves. Luke 10:27--And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." [Note: This is one commandment... not two. You can't separate these.]
A Heavenly Apologist is humble. Philippians 2:3--Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Romans 12:16--Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
A Heavenly Apologist looks for ways to forgive and does not see revenge. Matthew 18:21-22--Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Romans 12:19-21--Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
A Heavenly Apologist guards his words. Colossians 4:6--Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
James 3:5-6--So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
A Heavenly Apologist bears fruit. Matthew 7:17-20--So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. [An excellent gauge.]
Galatians 45:22-23--But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
A Heavenly Apologist goes to church. Hebrews 10:24-25--and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
A Heavenly Apologist submits to authority. Romans 13:1-2--Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. [government]
Ephesians 5:22--Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. [wives to husbands]
Ephesians 6:1--Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [children to parents]
Hebrews 13:17--Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. [laymen to church leaders]
Ephesians 6:5--Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; [workers/ employees to boss/leader]
A Heavenly Apologist does not teach their own traditions as biblical doctrine. Mark 7:6-7--And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. 'BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'
A Heavenly Apologist is wise. Proverbs 16:16--How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
I Corinthians 3:18--Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise.
The Heavenly Apologist is not worldly. I John 2:15-16--Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
A Heavenly Apologist is a joyful slave in all things. Philippians 1:1-5--Paul and Timothy, bond-servants [slave] of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes the role of trials in life. James 1:2-4--Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
I Peter 1:6-7--In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
A Heavenly Apologist will persevere until the end. John 10:29--My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
Philippians 1:6--For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Right about now you're saying--duh! You just described the Christian life. To which I would say most definitely--yes! But the word "Christian" is tossed around in wide arenas of professed "faiths" that I realized I needed to start having a different defining m.o. so that I would not be found wanting at the end like those in Matthew 7:21-23--"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
I'll conclude with what I think is one of the most important parts of being a Heavenly Apologist. It is where I continually get tripped up on just about all fronts in my daily life.
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes that this earthly life is not it. James 4:14--Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
Hebrews 9:27--And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,
I John 2:17--The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
Revelation 21:23-24--And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.
Revelation 20:10--And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
My prayer is that anyone reading this will desire a Heavenly Apologist mindset vs. what I continually fall into which is the Earthly Apologist category. I understand that this will be blah, at best, to some. But I do hope that those who find it worthwhile reading, will sharpen each other to have a more heavenly-minded way of life.
I Corinthians 1:18--For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
I Corinthians 2:2--For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
Okay. I'm really the last person in this world to tell you how to become a Heavenly Apologist... or an apologist of any kind. There are far greater minds in my circle of friends, that can tell you how to do that. But what I do want to share is my own experience of how the Lord is transforming little ol' me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, from an Earthly Apologist into a Heavenly Apologist regardless of my weak intellectual capacity.
To start, I guess definitions are in order.
What is an Earthly Apologist? In my weakly, wimpified, Webster way (quite the alliteration--wouldn't you agree?) I believe an Earthly Apologist is an unbeliever or a pragmatic Christian. Obviously the latter is the lesser of the two wrongs, but it is still in the category of undesirable if you are a professed believer. Which is part of the reason for this post. I am hoping that some of you can sidestep some of the snares that I fell (and fall) into while running this race. An Earthly Apologist is someone who uses results in words, thoughts, ideas and circumstances to teach, explain and live out truth. It is elevating sight above faith. It is elevating man's wisdom above God's wisdom.
How am I an Earthly Apologist? I take thoughts and ideas based on past experiences, and make them doctrine in my life instead of examining and relying on scripture for the outcome. Parenting ideas; fellowship conversations; marriage advice; and ministry dealings are the start of where I have practiced my earthly apologetics philosophy. Whatever "worked," was biblical and of God, and whatever didn't was tossed aside or ignored, even if it was an explicit command in God's word. My future actions hinged on whether my past experiences had achieved a certain level of "success" and I would act accordingly in my next dealings. I was continually disappointed, frustrated and sometimes angry with God because I just couldn't understand why something had worked in one area or at one time, but it did not work now. It was so frustrating and an ungodly way to live. It doesn't help that I tend to be an uncreative, gray, in-the-box thinker, which made me even more disappointed with how I thought things ought to be going and what the reality of things were at the present time. While I professed a heavenly mind, I spoke and lived as an Earthly Apologist in attitude and deed.
How I'm becoming a Heavenly Apologist. Only by God's grace, am I becoming a Heavenly Apologist, would be my first point. It is His gift to my soul and in my bumbling, clumsy, awkward way, I am learning that part of the maturing, molding and refining aspects of my life are in the area of my attitudes and thought patterns in the way I think and act. So first, what is a Heavenly Apologist? Well, to say that I could give a full definition would be a grave mistake because I haven't been given the ability to be relieved of this simple mind and grasp the full impact of what eternal living will be like, but I do believe that a Heavenly Apologist is first and foremost, an eternal value thinker. Everything that this person desires (and what I hope to achieve) is centered around magnifying God's glory; gratefully appreciating everything about the cross; submitting to the lordship of Jesus in all things; and truly believing that the scriptures are inerrant and sufficient for every day, detailed thoughts, words and deeds. "But I already do that," you say. Well, then you can go read about the new action-packed, but emotionless James Bond movie at the MSN website.
But for the rest of you, I do hope that some of you will forge ahead with me.
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes depravity. Romans 3:9-10--What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;"
A Heavenly Apologist is saved by God. John 14:6--Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."
Romans 2:4--Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
Romans 9:16--So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.
Ephesians 1:5--He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
A Heavenly Apologist understands God's sovereignty in all things. Daniel 4:17--This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers. And the decision is a command of the holy ones, In order that the living may know. That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes, And sets over it the lowliest of men."
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes Jesus' authority in all things. Matthew 28:18--And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
A Heavenly Apologist understands the role of scripture in the Christian life (oops, I mean Heavenly Apologist's life) and therefore, is called to study it, learn it and practice it. II Timothy 2:15--Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
II Timothy 3:16--All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
Deuteronomy 5:29--Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!
A Heavenly Apologist does not doubt in unbelief. Romans 3:4--May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, THAT YOU MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS, AND PREVAIL WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED."
Hebrews 11:6--And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes that everything personal and corporate must be built on the chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 3:11--For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
A Heavenly Apologist cares not for his/her life. Mark 8:34-36--And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?"
A Heavenly Apologist is repentant. II Corinthians 7:10--For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
A Heavenly Apologist loves. Luke 10:27--And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." [Note: This is one commandment... not two. You can't separate these.]
A Heavenly Apologist is humble. Philippians 2:3--Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Romans 12:16--Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
A Heavenly Apologist looks for ways to forgive and does not see revenge. Matthew 18:21-22--Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Romans 12:19-21--Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
A Heavenly Apologist guards his words. Colossians 4:6--Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
James 3:5-6--So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
A Heavenly Apologist bears fruit. Matthew 7:17-20--So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. [An excellent gauge.]
Galatians 45:22-23--But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
A Heavenly Apologist goes to church. Hebrews 10:24-25--and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
A Heavenly Apologist submits to authority. Romans 13:1-2--Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. [government]
Ephesians 5:22--Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. [wives to husbands]
Ephesians 6:1--Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [children to parents]
Hebrews 13:17--Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. [laymen to church leaders]
Ephesians 6:5--Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; [workers/ employees to boss/leader]
A Heavenly Apologist does not teach their own traditions as biblical doctrine. Mark 7:6-7--And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. 'BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'
A Heavenly Apologist is wise. Proverbs 16:16--How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
I Corinthians 3:18--Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise.
The Heavenly Apologist is not worldly. I John 2:15-16--Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
A Heavenly Apologist is a joyful slave in all things. Philippians 1:1-5--Paul and Timothy, bond-servants [slave] of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes the role of trials in life. James 1:2-4--Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
I Peter 1:6-7--In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
A Heavenly Apologist will persevere until the end. John 10:29--My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
Philippians 1:6--For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Right about now you're saying--duh! You just described the Christian life. To which I would say most definitely--yes! But the word "Christian" is tossed around in wide arenas of professed "faiths" that I realized I needed to start having a different defining m.o. so that I would not be found wanting at the end like those in Matthew 7:21-23--"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
I'll conclude with what I think is one of the most important parts of being a Heavenly Apologist. It is where I continually get tripped up on just about all fronts in my daily life.
A Heavenly Apologist recognizes that this earthly life is not it. James 4:14--Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
Hebrews 9:27--And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,
I John 2:17--The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
Revelation 21:23-24--And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.
Revelation 20:10--And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
My prayer is that anyone reading this will desire a Heavenly Apologist mindset vs. what I continually fall into which is the Earthly Apologist category. I understand that this will be blah, at best, to some. But I do hope that those who find it worthwhile reading, will sharpen each other to have a more heavenly-minded way of life.
I Corinthians 1:18--For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
I Corinthians 2:2--For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Random Rant #2
From the book Knowing Scripture by R.C. Sproul--
The Point--The Implicit is to be Interpreted by the Explicit
Another example of less than careful treatment of implications may be seen in the question of the nature of Jesus' resurrection body. Again, I have seen descriptions of Jesus' glorified body as being a body that has the capacity to move unimpeded through solid objects. The biblical warrant for such a claim is found in John 20:19: "When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'" Look carefully at the words of the text. Does it say that Jesus "dematerialized" and floated through the door? No, it says that the doors were shut and Jesus came and stood in their midst. Why does the author mention that the door was shut? Perhaps to indicate the amazing way Jesus appeared. Or perhaps to indicate the amazing way Jesus appeared. Or perhaps merely to accentuate what he actually says, that the disciples were afraid of the Jews. Is it possible that Jesus came to his frightened disciples who were huddled together behind closed doors, opened the door, walked in and began speaking with them? Again, maybe Jesus did in fact float through the door, but the text does not say that. To construct a view of Jesus' resurrected body on the basis of this text involves unwarranted speculation and careless exegesis.
The Point--The Implicit is to be Interpreted by the Explicit
Another example of less than careful treatment of implications may be seen in the question of the nature of Jesus' resurrection body. Again, I have seen descriptions of Jesus' glorified body as being a body that has the capacity to move unimpeded through solid objects. The biblical warrant for such a claim is found in John 20:19: "When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'" Look carefully at the words of the text. Does it say that Jesus "dematerialized" and floated through the door? No, it says that the doors were shut and Jesus came and stood in their midst. Why does the author mention that the door was shut? Perhaps to indicate the amazing way Jesus appeared. Or perhaps to indicate the amazing way Jesus appeared. Or perhaps merely to accentuate what he actually says, that the disciples were afraid of the Jews. Is it possible that Jesus came to his frightened disciples who were huddled together behind closed doors, opened the door, walked in and began speaking with them? Again, maybe Jesus did in fact float through the door, but the text does not say that. To construct a view of Jesus' resurrected body on the basis of this text involves unwarranted speculation and careless exegesis.
The End of An Era
It makes me so sad to type this. The end of an era (or at least 8 weeks) has come. Our beloved Evangelism Class is over with less of a bang than I thought. Because of unforeseen circumstances, we were not able to hold our last class (which would have been last night) where the dogs were let loose and would be encouraged to howl, bark and bay on the mean streets of West Hartford, sharing the true gospel message to anyone who would listen.
Recapping these last few weeks, there are many things to mention. The first is giving glory to God for the cross of Calvary. Without the sum total of all that the cross of Christ represents, this class would be moot at best.
Secondly, to say that I appreciate and am grateful for our godly hound dog trainers would be quite the understatement. Frank, an incredibly gifted teacher and loving pastor, formed a class that was thoughtful, intellectual, refreshing, challenging, humorous and unifying. My favorite part (although there were many) has to be when he took something like the word "gospel" and scripturally showed us where the unbiblical cliches were (i.e. personal savior, saved by a prayer, altar calls, etc.) His clear and precise manner in explaining imputation, atonement, true repentance, justification, and all of the heavyweight words that must be understood if we are to truly and deeply praise God for His saving work, was pure delight. There is something so personal about Frank. While he is intelligent, prepared and diligent in what he does; he does not lack in personable skills and it makes him easy to listen to and and easy to understand. Praise God for someone like Frank. Every church should have a "frank."
Then there is Dave. His training on the personhood of Jesus Christ was par excellence (accents are hard to type.) His accuracy and knowledge of scripture challenged me in areas that were much needed, starting with the laziness and distraction-filled weakness that I possess in studying the bible. He is so soft spoken, yet confident and bold in scripture, which gave him the perfect combination of a gifted teacher and expert conversationalist. Praise God for someone like Dave, whose godly training has helped me to fully appreciate the work and lordship of the master of all of us.
Each class we had was filled with delightful conversation and excellent exhortation. I hope that my pitiful summaries of what took place has inspired some of you out there to seek out such a class in your local area. While I readily admit that my experience in this class was unique because of the giftedness of the trainers; the lively discussion of my dogmates; and the hearts of servants like Lisa and Patria, who made the ambiance a learning environment, I would encourage everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ, so seek out such a class like this. A class that will revamp, gut and completely reshape what you thought evangelism was and will take old dogs like Scott and me, and teach us, not just old tricks, but true, eternal-value skills that will bring our Heavenly Father magnified glory.
I didn't think that this early on in my blogging career, I would be closing out a category so soon, but The Dog Pound jersey must be retired.
Thank you, Lord, for allowing me something that is so undeserved. Rubbing shoulders (or paws) with fellow dogsters that love and are committed to learning and serving and to learn how to accurately share the good news that could possibly bring those homeless and wandering strays into a forever home.
Recapping these last few weeks, there are many things to mention. The first is giving glory to God for the cross of Calvary. Without the sum total of all that the cross of Christ represents, this class would be moot at best.
Secondly, to say that I appreciate and am grateful for our godly hound dog trainers would be quite the understatement. Frank, an incredibly gifted teacher and loving pastor, formed a class that was thoughtful, intellectual, refreshing, challenging, humorous and unifying. My favorite part (although there were many) has to be when he took something like the word "gospel" and scripturally showed us where the unbiblical cliches were (i.e. personal savior, saved by a prayer, altar calls, etc.) His clear and precise manner in explaining imputation, atonement, true repentance, justification, and all of the heavyweight words that must be understood if we are to truly and deeply praise God for His saving work, was pure delight. There is something so personal about Frank. While he is intelligent, prepared and diligent in what he does; he does not lack in personable skills and it makes him easy to listen to and and easy to understand. Praise God for someone like Frank. Every church should have a "frank."
Then there is Dave. His training on the personhood of Jesus Christ was par excellence (accents are hard to type.) His accuracy and knowledge of scripture challenged me in areas that were much needed, starting with the laziness and distraction-filled weakness that I possess in studying the bible. He is so soft spoken, yet confident and bold in scripture, which gave him the perfect combination of a gifted teacher and expert conversationalist. Praise God for someone like Dave, whose godly training has helped me to fully appreciate the work and lordship of the master of all of us.
Each class we had was filled with delightful conversation and excellent exhortation. I hope that my pitiful summaries of what took place has inspired some of you out there to seek out such a class in your local area. While I readily admit that my experience in this class was unique because of the giftedness of the trainers; the lively discussion of my dogmates; and the hearts of servants like Lisa and Patria, who made the ambiance a learning environment, I would encourage everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ, so seek out such a class like this. A class that will revamp, gut and completely reshape what you thought evangelism was and will take old dogs like Scott and me, and teach us, not just old tricks, but true, eternal-value skills that will bring our Heavenly Father magnified glory.
I didn't think that this early on in my blogging career, I would be closing out a category so soon, but The Dog Pound jersey must be retired.
Thank you, Lord, for allowing me something that is so undeserved. Rubbing shoulders (or paws) with fellow dogsters that love and are committed to learning and serving and to learn how to accurately share the good news that could possibly bring those homeless and wandering strays into a forever home.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A Dedication (of Sorts) to Ted Bigelow
Ted--Pastor-Teacher--Grace Church, Hartford, CT
Setting up this post, I need to start with the famous words of Steve Cooley, a wonderful Associate Pastor at BBC. He described Ted as "crazy smart" and that about sums it up.
I recognize that what I'm about to type, he (Ted) has publicly denounced as any source of pride or achievement during his lifetime. He has acted as Paul did and publicly declared this in a Philippians 3:8 (skubala) sort of way. I have heard it with my own imperfect ears. So why do this? Because I believe it's informative and Christ-exalting.
There are a great many words that I could tell of my gratitude and praise to God for my Pastor. Many more words could tell of my personal experiences while being a part of his flock here in Connecticut. But as in all things, (and I'm sure much to the relief of my reader audience) I always have to bottom line it. I need to start at a base line and work my way up. I like to analyze things, situations, causes and effects, etc. The words and actions of people are interesting to me, with so many twists and turns in regards to their motivations, heart, and the like. Ted is no different.
Admittedly, I don't know him very well. Oh sure, we've been to each other's houses when our families have shared a meal together; we've shared a few jokes, but overall, my relationship with him is at an appropriate and opposite gender, non-married distance. So I really don't know him that well. He continues to surprise me at many turns.
But one way he has not changed or at least how I have come to the conclusion of how to bottom line his life from my perspective, is his deep, deep love for all things sound through the filter of biblical revelation--sound truth, sound doctrine, sound teaching and sound and thorough study. I've tried to think of ways to describe it. I've tried to write about it and practice, in small measure, the same type of studying so I could walk on a thorough, practiced, diligent and desire-filled path, but I need agonize no more. Thankfully, in a current book I'm reading, R.C. Sproul has done that for me and has bottom lined it in a way that I just couldn't. If my time was limited and I had to sum up my Pastor--here is how I would do it:
From R.C. Sproul's book Knowing Scripture:
The Role of the Teacher: [In regards to small groups and home bible studies] Pooling of knowledge is edifying to the church; pooling of ignorance is destructive and can manifest the problem of the blind leading the blind.
More often we face the problem of people calling themselves to the role of teacher who are simply not qualified to teach. A good teacher must have sound knowledge and the necessary skills to unravel difficult portions of Scripture. Here the need for mastery of language, history and theology are of critical importance. We need teachers who have sound knowledge and whose hearts are not set against the Word of God.
To sound teaching and diligent study God gives blessing.
Thank you, God, for giving Ted a mastery of language, history and theology. Thank you for giving Ted a heart that is not set against your holy scriptures. Thank you, God, for giving Ted his incredible and rare gift of intelligence; his enduring discipline and heart toward study throughout many years in his life; his keen insight into the text; and the masterful way in which he delivers.
And thank you, Ted, for earning your doctorate and continuing to study and love the word of God with the engine of a first-year seminary student, but with the mind of a meticulous, seasoned scholar. Your (and your family's) sacrifice has not gone unnoticed, nor un-thanked in my prayers.
Through God's immeasurable grace, He has enabled you to provide Grace Church with an indescribable blessing.
Setting up this post, I need to start with the famous words of Steve Cooley, a wonderful Associate Pastor at BBC. He described Ted as "crazy smart" and that about sums it up.
I recognize that what I'm about to type, he (Ted) has publicly denounced as any source of pride or achievement during his lifetime. He has acted as Paul did and publicly declared this in a Philippians 3:8 (skubala) sort of way. I have heard it with my own imperfect ears. So why do this? Because I believe it's informative and Christ-exalting.
There are a great many words that I could tell of my gratitude and praise to God for my Pastor. Many more words could tell of my personal experiences while being a part of his flock here in Connecticut. But as in all things, (and I'm sure much to the relief of my reader audience) I always have to bottom line it. I need to start at a base line and work my way up. I like to analyze things, situations, causes and effects, etc. The words and actions of people are interesting to me, with so many twists and turns in regards to their motivations, heart, and the like. Ted is no different.
Admittedly, I don't know him very well. Oh sure, we've been to each other's houses when our families have shared a meal together; we've shared a few jokes, but overall, my relationship with him is at an appropriate and opposite gender, non-married distance. So I really don't know him that well. He continues to surprise me at many turns.
But one way he has not changed or at least how I have come to the conclusion of how to bottom line his life from my perspective, is his deep, deep love for all things sound through the filter of biblical revelation--sound truth, sound doctrine, sound teaching and sound and thorough study. I've tried to think of ways to describe it. I've tried to write about it and practice, in small measure, the same type of studying so I could walk on a thorough, practiced, diligent and desire-filled path, but I need agonize no more. Thankfully, in a current book I'm reading, R.C. Sproul has done that for me and has bottom lined it in a way that I just couldn't. If my time was limited and I had to sum up my Pastor--here is how I would do it:
From R.C. Sproul's book Knowing Scripture:
The Role of the Teacher: [In regards to small groups and home bible studies] Pooling of knowledge is edifying to the church; pooling of ignorance is destructive and can manifest the problem of the blind leading the blind.
More often we face the problem of people calling themselves to the role of teacher who are simply not qualified to teach. A good teacher must have sound knowledge and the necessary skills to unravel difficult portions of Scripture. Here the need for mastery of language, history and theology are of critical importance. We need teachers who have sound knowledge and whose hearts are not set against the Word of God.
To sound teaching and diligent study God gives blessing.
Thank you, God, for giving Ted a mastery of language, history and theology. Thank you for giving Ted a heart that is not set against your holy scriptures. Thank you, God, for giving Ted his incredible and rare gift of intelligence; his enduring discipline and heart toward study throughout many years in his life; his keen insight into the text; and the masterful way in which he delivers.
And thank you, Ted, for earning your doctorate and continuing to study and love the word of God with the engine of a first-year seminary student, but with the mind of a meticulous, seasoned scholar. Your (and your family's) sacrifice has not gone unnoticed, nor un-thanked in my prayers.
Through God's immeasurable grace, He has enabled you to provide Grace Church with an indescribable blessing.
Monday, November 10, 2008
To Berean:
Thank you kindly. Of course, it goes without saying--I'm curious. Please drop me an E-mail when you.
Blessings, Kim
--kim.noble3@gmail.com.
Blessings, Kim
--kim.noble3@gmail.com.
Random Rant #1
From the book Knowing Scripture by R.C. Sproul--
The Point--Historical Narratives Are to Be Interpreted by the Didactic
One of the chief reasons why this rule is important is to warn against drawing too many inferences from record of what people [in the bible] do. For example, can we really construct a manual of required Christian behaviour purely on the basis of an analysis of what Jesus did? So often when a Christian is faced with a problematic situation, he is told to ask himself, "What would Jesus do in this situation?" That is not always a wise question to ask. A better question would be, "What would Jesus have me to do in this situation?"
Why is it dangerous to simply try to model our lives after what Jesus did? If we try to model our lives precisely according to Jesus' example, we may get into trouble on several counts. First of all, our tasks as obedient children to God are not exactly the same as Jesus' mission. I [Sproul] was not sent into this world to save men from their sins. I can never speak with absolute authority about anything like Jesus did. I cannot go into the church with a whip and drive corrupt clergymen out. I am not the Lord of the church.
Second, and perhaps not so obviously, Jesus lived under a different period of redemptive history than I do. He was required to fulfill all the laws of the Old Covenant including dietary and ceremonial laws. Jesus was being perfectly obedient to the Father when he was circumcised as a religious rite. If I become circumcised, not for reasons of health or hygiene but as a formal religious rite, I am by that rite, repudiating the finished work of Christ and bringing myself back under the curse of the OT law. [A serious sin] Here is where the Epistles are so very important. They do call us to imitate Christ at many points. But they help us delineate what those points are and what they are not. [bolding added]
A third problem with emulating the life of Jesus is in making the subtle move from what is permissible to what is obligatory. For example, I know men who argue that it is the Christian's duty to make visitations of mercy on the Sabbath day. The argument is that Jesus did it on the Sabbath day and therefore we should.
Now the subtlety is here: that Jesus did such things on the Sabbath reveals that such activities do not violate the Sabbath and are good. But Jesus nowhere commands us to do them on the Sabbath. His example shows that they may be done, but not necessarily that they must be done then. He does command us to visit the sick but nowhere stipulates when that visitation must take place. That Jesus remained unmarried shows that celibacy is good but his celibacy does not demand that marriage be repudiated, as the Epistles make clear.
There is another serious problem with drawing too many inferences from narratives. The Bible records not only the virtues of the saints but their vices as well. The portraits of the saints are painted wart and all. We have to be careful not to emulate the "wartiness." To be sure when we read of the activities of David or Paul, we can learn much since these are the activities of men who achieved a high degree of sanctification. But should we emulate the adultery of David or the dishonesty of Jacob? God forbid.
Apart from extrapolating points of character and ethics from the narratives, there is also the problem of extracting doctrine. For example, in the narrative of Abraham's offering Isaac on the alter at Mount Moriah, he is stopped at the last second by an angel from God who says, "Abraham, Abraham! Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me" (Genesis 22:11-12) Note the words, "now I know." Didn't God know in advance what Abraham was going to do? Did he sit in heaven in a state of divine anxiety awaiting the outcome of Abraham's trial? [ ... ] The didactic portions of Scripture preclude such inferences. yet, if we established our doctrine of God purely from narratives such as this one, we should have to conclude that our God is "ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth."
Building doctrine from narratives alone is dangerous business. I am sad to say that there appears to be a strong tendency for this in the popular evangelical theology of our day. We all must be careful to resist this tendency.
The Point--Historical Narratives Are to Be Interpreted by the Didactic
One of the chief reasons why this rule is important is to warn against drawing too many inferences from record of what people [in the bible] do. For example, can we really construct a manual of required Christian behaviour purely on the basis of an analysis of what Jesus did? So often when a Christian is faced with a problematic situation, he is told to ask himself, "What would Jesus do in this situation?" That is not always a wise question to ask. A better question would be, "What would Jesus have me to do in this situation?"
Why is it dangerous to simply try to model our lives after what Jesus did? If we try to model our lives precisely according to Jesus' example, we may get into trouble on several counts. First of all, our tasks as obedient children to God are not exactly the same as Jesus' mission. I [Sproul] was not sent into this world to save men from their sins. I can never speak with absolute authority about anything like Jesus did. I cannot go into the church with a whip and drive corrupt clergymen out. I am not the Lord of the church.
Second, and perhaps not so obviously, Jesus lived under a different period of redemptive history than I do. He was required to fulfill all the laws of the Old Covenant including dietary and ceremonial laws. Jesus was being perfectly obedient to the Father when he was circumcised as a religious rite. If I become circumcised, not for reasons of health or hygiene but as a formal religious rite, I am by that rite, repudiating the finished work of Christ and bringing myself back under the curse of the OT law. [A serious sin] Here is where the Epistles are so very important. They do call us to imitate Christ at many points. But they help us delineate what those points are and what they are not. [bolding added]
A third problem with emulating the life of Jesus is in making the subtle move from what is permissible to what is obligatory. For example, I know men who argue that it is the Christian's duty to make visitations of mercy on the Sabbath day. The argument is that Jesus did it on the Sabbath day and therefore we should.
Now the subtlety is here: that Jesus did such things on the Sabbath reveals that such activities do not violate the Sabbath and are good. But Jesus nowhere commands us to do them on the Sabbath. His example shows that they may be done, but not necessarily that they must be done then. He does command us to visit the sick but nowhere stipulates when that visitation must take place. That Jesus remained unmarried shows that celibacy is good but his celibacy does not demand that marriage be repudiated, as the Epistles make clear.
There is another serious problem with drawing too many inferences from narratives. The Bible records not only the virtues of the saints but their vices as well. The portraits of the saints are painted wart and all. We have to be careful not to emulate the "wartiness." To be sure when we read of the activities of David or Paul, we can learn much since these are the activities of men who achieved a high degree of sanctification. But should we emulate the adultery of David or the dishonesty of Jacob? God forbid.
Apart from extrapolating points of character and ethics from the narratives, there is also the problem of extracting doctrine. For example, in the narrative of Abraham's offering Isaac on the alter at Mount Moriah, he is stopped at the last second by an angel from God who says, "Abraham, Abraham! Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me" (Genesis 22:11-12) Note the words, "now I know." Didn't God know in advance what Abraham was going to do? Did he sit in heaven in a state of divine anxiety awaiting the outcome of Abraham's trial? [ ... ] The didactic portions of Scripture preclude such inferences. yet, if we established our doctrine of God purely from narratives such as this one, we should have to conclude that our God is "ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth."
Building doctrine from narratives alone is dangerous business. I am sad to say that there appears to be a strong tendency for this in the popular evangelical theology of our day. We all must be careful to resist this tendency.
Friday, November 7, 2008
2 Chronicles 25:2--A Loyal Heart
In the morning, I have been reading through the Old Testament. It's been interesting, challenging and illuminating in a way that I never appreciated growing up in church. There are a variety of reasons for that, but mostly because I'm reading through a sovereign lens rather than a "free will" lens.
For the most part, the Old Testament has been quite a roller coaster ride for me. At times it makes me so perplexed, I want to beat my head against the wall; at times it brings me such pain because I see so much of myself as an Israelite; and sometimes, (confession mode) I laugh because some of it is just downright guttural to me in the way that God describes situations and some of the situations that happen (see just about any passages on dung.)
But this morning, there was no laughter. This morning II Chronicles 25:2 struck my heart and convicted my soul to it's very core. Here's the passage:
And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart.
The context is concerning King Amaziah's life. You can read for yourself in II Chronicles. This passage is fairly clear and while I realize that exegeting the passage would bring a much deeper, non-subjectivism meaning... I don't think I'm far off from the practical application of this verse.
How much do I do that is right in the sight of God without having a loyal heart? Ahhh! Isn't that what the bible teaches over and over? The heart over the action. The heart always trumping the action. Why? Because counterfeiting is an ageless sin in the church. Why do so many people leave? Over their distaste of "these people" mentioned Mark 7:6--hypocrisy--not a good reason, but certainly a popular excuse.
Doing what is right in the sight of God is good and should be a practical goal in our lives, but if we are more concerned about actions than the heart--then we are hypocrites-in-training. It always starts with the heart.
Let's bring it closer to home. How many times have I cleaned my home without a loyal heart? How many times have I served at church without a loyal heart? How many times have I submitted to my husband without a loyal heart? And the list goes on and on.
Actions are so easily counterfeited and certainly the most preached on in wide evangelical arenas, because it is the most evident and easiest to monitor. It is most prevalent in the fundamental and legalistic circles. Mark 7:7, "...but in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men" is how this circle accomplishes such monitoring. They teach their traditions as doctrines of scripture. But plain and simple, traditions are not doctrines. Doctrines are doctrines. And where do we get them--in the scripture?
I've come to appreciate a church filled with non-churched people. While I love and am so thankful for my church background, I come at a huge disadvantage growing up in my childhood church. The church I now attend as an adult, Grace Church, (and I rarely mention my church name because I don't want people to ever believe that the bible is founded on Grace Church and not the other way around--meaning the bible is the ultimate authority and not Grace Church) contains a majority of mature believers that were saved as adults, not at an early age and certainly not growing up in church. They are at a huge advantage as they do not have unhealthy doctrine and precepts, taught as doctrines of holy scripture. Many are unhindered to learn what the bible says and they do it. They are godly, reverent, imperfect New Testament Christians. And then there's clumsy, awkward me. I have to relearn so much because of the tradition background, that I tend to be behind the eight ball in just about every practical application in the church. (I am thankful that it doesn't apply to home as much because of the wonderful example my dear Christian mother was and is to this day.) But I digress.
The point of all of this is loyalty. So what in the world do I do with II Chronicles 25:2? I have prayed that I will continually refocus my Luke 10:27 desire to be given by my Lord, a loyal heart in all things. Yes! In a Colossians 3:17 way (I know, I know--I just dogged this verse in a Book Nook post.) But I do pray that a loyal heart will proceed every thought, action and deed in each breath I take. And loyalty not just to my own whims and musings that I find and agree with at the time. But a loyalty to the precious and timeless God and His truths as found in the bible...nothing more and nothing less. The God of the bible who always calls me to the conviction of the heart first, and then the conviction of the action.
Lord, may whatever I do that is right in your eyes, proceed with the right attitude and above all--a loyal heart.
For the most part, the Old Testament has been quite a roller coaster ride for me. At times it makes me so perplexed, I want to beat my head against the wall; at times it brings me such pain because I see so much of myself as an Israelite; and sometimes, (confession mode) I laugh because some of it is just downright guttural to me in the way that God describes situations and some of the situations that happen (see just about any passages on dung.)
But this morning, there was no laughter. This morning II Chronicles 25:2 struck my heart and convicted my soul to it's very core. Here's the passage:
And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart.
The context is concerning King Amaziah's life. You can read for yourself in II Chronicles. This passage is fairly clear and while I realize that exegeting the passage would bring a much deeper, non-subjectivism meaning... I don't think I'm far off from the practical application of this verse.
How much do I do that is right in the sight of God without having a loyal heart? Ahhh! Isn't that what the bible teaches over and over? The heart over the action. The heart always trumping the action. Why? Because counterfeiting is an ageless sin in the church. Why do so many people leave? Over their distaste of "these people" mentioned Mark 7:6--hypocrisy--not a good reason, but certainly a popular excuse.
Doing what is right in the sight of God is good and should be a practical goal in our lives, but if we are more concerned about actions than the heart--then we are hypocrites-in-training. It always starts with the heart.
Let's bring it closer to home. How many times have I cleaned my home without a loyal heart? How many times have I served at church without a loyal heart? How many times have I submitted to my husband without a loyal heart? And the list goes on and on.
Actions are so easily counterfeited and certainly the most preached on in wide evangelical arenas, because it is the most evident and easiest to monitor. It is most prevalent in the fundamental and legalistic circles. Mark 7:7, "...but in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men" is how this circle accomplishes such monitoring. They teach their traditions as doctrines of scripture. But plain and simple, traditions are not doctrines. Doctrines are doctrines. And where do we get them--in the scripture?
I've come to appreciate a church filled with non-churched people. While I love and am so thankful for my church background, I come at a huge disadvantage growing up in my childhood church. The church I now attend as an adult, Grace Church, (and I rarely mention my church name because I don't want people to ever believe that the bible is founded on Grace Church and not the other way around--meaning the bible is the ultimate authority and not Grace Church) contains a majority of mature believers that were saved as adults, not at an early age and certainly not growing up in church. They are at a huge advantage as they do not have unhealthy doctrine and precepts, taught as doctrines of holy scripture. Many are unhindered to learn what the bible says and they do it. They are godly, reverent, imperfect New Testament Christians. And then there's clumsy, awkward me. I have to relearn so much because of the tradition background, that I tend to be behind the eight ball in just about every practical application in the church. (I am thankful that it doesn't apply to home as much because of the wonderful example my dear Christian mother was and is to this day.) But I digress.
The point of all of this is loyalty. So what in the world do I do with II Chronicles 25:2? I have prayed that I will continually refocus my Luke 10:27 desire to be given by my Lord, a loyal heart in all things. Yes! In a Colossians 3:17 way (I know, I know--I just dogged this verse in a Book Nook post.) But I do pray that a loyal heart will proceed every thought, action and deed in each breath I take. And loyalty not just to my own whims and musings that I find and agree with at the time. But a loyalty to the precious and timeless God and His truths as found in the bible...nothing more and nothing less. The God of the bible who always calls me to the conviction of the heart first, and then the conviction of the action.
Lord, may whatever I do that is right in your eyes, proceed with the right attitude and above all--a loyal heart.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Mortification of Sin
In keeping with the dry theme of this blog, I've decided to start a new category called "Book Nook." This little cuddly corner of my blog will hopefully give you the opportunity to feel like we're sitting together next to a warm, cozy fire, sipping homemade hot chocolate (lots of marshmallows!) in the middle of January, discussing the most recent "great read" in our repertoire. A book review category for those without an imagination.
Honestly, I'm not well-read or at least not well-read in the theology department. To rectify that, I have started a reading campaign. I invite anyone who's interested to read my book reviews and comment in the comments section or via E-mail, their thoughts--especially if they have read the same book. A group book club would be ideal, with lots of titillating discussion, but I think I'm overshooting things a bit, so for right now, I would be completely content with any corrections or other summations of the book.
Upfront, I will give to you some patterned guidelines that I intend to follow for each review:
1) I'll personally rate each book from 1 to 5 stars (5= blow-your-socks-off-wow!)
2) I'll try to give a short, brief overview of the book. Probably plagiarized right from the book's jacket.
3) I'll try and give you a very biased, subjective opinion of what I thought about the book.
Book 2 of this newly created section ends up being another power-packed selection. I'm no math genius, but I would easily say that this book is power-packed times 2--double the pleasure, double the fun. Except worldly pleasure and fun is exactly what this book denounces.
Honestly, I'm not well-read or at least not well-read in the theology department. To rectify that, I have started a reading campaign. I invite anyone who's interested to read my book reviews and comment in the comments section or via E-mail, their thoughts--especially if they have read the same book. A group book club would be ideal, with lots of titillating discussion, but I think I'm overshooting things a bit, so for right now, I would be completely content with any corrections or other summations of the book.
Upfront, I will give to you some patterned guidelines that I intend to follow for each review:
1) I'll personally rate each book from 1 to 5 stars (5= blow-your-socks-off-wow!)
2) I'll try to give a short, brief overview of the book. Probably plagiarized right from the book's jacket.
3) I'll try and give you a very biased, subjective opinion of what I thought about the book.
Book 2 of this newly created section ends up being another power-packed selection. I'm no math genius, but I would easily say that this book is power-packed times 2--double the pleasure, double the fun. Except worldly pleasure and fun is exactly what this book denounces.
The Mortification of Sin by John Owen: Abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing
I did not expect to come across a blow-your-socks-off book so soon, but this is it. The more I read and study scripture, the more I find that there are very (VERY) few books that I can honestly label as Christian essentials. But this, my friend, is a Christian essential. So overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars (and secretly, if I hadn't been so unbelieving as to think that the Lord would give me an opportunity to read other stellar books--I would have not limited the rating to a measly 5 stars for these types of books.)
In this abridgement of a classic work, the famous Puritan John Owen shows the need for Christians to engage in a life-long battle against the sinful tendencies that remain in them, despite their having been brought to faith and new life in Christ. Owen is very insistent that believers cannot hope to succeed in this battle in their own strength. He sees clearly that the fight can be won only through faith in Christ, and in the power of the Spirit. Fighting sin with human strength will produce only self-righteousness, superstition and anxiety of conscience. But with faith in Christ, and with the power of the Spirit, victory is certain. The temptations in times like Owen's and ours are obvious on every side; the remedy to them is clearly pointed out in this practical and helpful book.
Don't let the page count of 130 throw you. Don't let the small size of the book deceive you. And please don't let Richard Rushings wonderful attempt at making an "Abridged and made easy to read" paperback lull you into a false sense of security that this is, in fact, easy. It is all but easy. Obviously, those words are meant to give us layman a sort of non-intimidated approach toward such a book. I'm sure, that relative to the actual work of John Owen, it is "easy," but egads--this book was a well-worn hamster wheel for me. Starting with the fact that my sin was the spotlight of every page of this book.
If you're prone to underline every thought, sentence and paragraph that strike you so later on, you can easily reference the major points that hit you the most, be prepared with a large pen and lots of ink. As a dear sister of mine put it so succinctly, you'd be better off underlining the things that you'd rather not remember. I dare say, there would be few things underlined or noted. I know that there will be some who will disagree whether this is an easy read or not, but I would defy anyone to explain to me why each page is not filled with condensed mini, Calvary-exalting text that gives us a deeper understanding of God's work in our doctrinal learnings and practical lives. Yes! Boldly and confidently I declare that this is truly one of the best books I have ever read. It is solidly rooted in the scripture and for every point he makes, he roots it in contextual, well-grounded scripture references.
This is not a cliche read. You know the type of books. They use Colossians 3:17 and I Corinthians 10:31 as a mantra for everything in life. Those are excellent verses of the bible, but I get wearied when reading whimsical books where their only argument is founded under such a giant umbrella. If the bible is the scalpel used to cut and divide, then this book can be compared to the hook that holds the skin back while the bible does the cutting.
I dare say that this book dives deep into the heart of scripture and explains in plain, clear and precise terms, how the bible defines sin; the cause of sin; and the consequences of sin. He takes a word that is under-used and redefined by this culture and uses scripture to turn stiff necks back toward what scripture says sin really is. Dividing it out for us, I'm not sure that there is any major point of the scriptural study of sin, left untouched by John Owen.
If there is any one teensy weensy flaw, I would have to say that you may not agree with every minute detail of how Owen interprets scripture...but it would be few and far between times...if at all.
I'll leave you with this teaser from the book and hope that this will draw you in to either borrow it or pay the pitiful $9.00 from Banner. As stated before, I found it very difficult to find just one paragraph that could wrap up this book into a nice, neat advertising package. My only exhortation--please read this book!
"Suppose a man is a true believer, and yet finds in himself a powerful indwelling sin. This sin makes him captive to its power, and consumes his heart with trouble. It perplexes his thoughts, weakens his soul in communion with God, takes away his peace, defiles his conscience, and exposes him to hardening through the deceitfulness of sin. What shall he do? What course shall he take to mortify this sin, lust or corruption? How can he gain victory enough, even though it is not utterly destroyed, yet, in his contest with it, he may be enabled to maintain his power, strength and peace in communion with God?"
This book is a paperback series from Banner Publishing and God-willing, I look forward to more 5 star reading!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Earthly Reliefs--The Clymers
Definition of Earthly Reliefs: Earthly Reliefs are men and women (sometimes families, sometimes single) brought into believers' lives for the Proverbs 27:17 sharpening of a person for the glory of God. They help us breathe a little easier as we are called by our great God to travel and journey on this earth. While we are just pilgrims in a dusty and foreign land, Earthly Reliefs are the watering and feeding oases. In some ways, they minister to us and in some ways, we minister to them. But however God has called us to work on the privilege of becoming more Christlike--Earthly Reliefs are designed gifts from the Heavenly Father above to help sharpen and mold us into His image.
I'm starting a feature on my blog called Earthly Reliefs. In my life, God has brought me much needed rest from the burden of being in this natural, wretched casing called human flesh through the wonderful pleasure of having Earthly Reliefs. As with all articles on my blog, I'm hoping that this new section will help to display God's glory by showing how Earthly Reliefs have righteously influenced us toward the kingdom of God. I'm hoping that they will encourage any reader of this tiny blog to look for Earthly Reliefs in their own lives. Search for patterns and markers in the people around them that will lead them to seek and befriend these Earthly Reliefs, be mentored by them, mentor and minister to them, and with their Earthly Relief companions, desire the exact same godly image of Christ in every thought, word and deed. And in so doing, by the grace of God, will cling to them, appreciate them and emulate them as earthly models of heavenly godliness. Just as Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:1--he called the church in Corinth to be like him because he imitated Christ. That's what Earthly Reliefs are. Imitators of Christ here on earth set before us to model and follow.... to diligently seek their friendship in every way, thereby surrounding yourself with godly models of Christ for His glory and His alone.
It is no great secret that this is my favorite part of blogging. Oft times, I feel a sense of obligation toward this project I have started--maintaining a blog. Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy sharing stories and silly poems, for the world to see...I'm just that type. But there are times when it's hard to tell who's running whom? I can blame most of that on the aforementioned babbling in my head that keeps me drawn toward blogging thoughts that I am grappling with by my lonesome. It helps to maintain a sense of chaotic order in this noggin' o' mine. But then there are times of great happiness and joy that come along, and my Earthly Relief section is one of them. Thus, this next family.
This is the Dave and Deb Clymer Family. At first glance, they look like an every day, all American family but the Lord has created them for far greater works than just being an average, ordinary family. They are extraordinary in every sense of the word.
I tried thinking of a verse to sum them up as I felt that was the only way to truly do this family the justice that is theirs to enjoy, by God's grace. There were a ton of verses on loving, serving, forgiving, etc., but none seemed to fully capture my feelings toward them. Then Luke 9:23 shot up like a flare--and that seemed most appropriate. "And He was saying to them all, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Initially, I didn't link it to Evangelism Class, but as I am typing just now, I realize that it is one of our class outline verses and so it seems even more appropriate than when I began typing. And that neatest of all is that Dave is one of the godly trainers mentioned in a few of the posts about my beloved Evangelism Class.
These people are no frills, no fluff--walking the walk people. Denying themselves, their comforts, their wants, their desires, themselves in general, seems to be their every day m.o. So much so that you hear of the Clymers serving in ways that seem unimaginable to the rest of us. Notice I said that "you hear of." Meaning, they don't tell you about it. You have to hear from someone else. They're not the type to slip service into conversation--how much they've served, or when they serve, or where they serve. They just do it and don't talk about it--period. They don't complain, they don't gripe--they just serve. Honestly, I've never met a family like them, we're talking family here. Not just Dave or just Deb, but the whole crew. They care not for their conveniences or what they can gain for themselves, they only care for the lost and the Kingdom of God. I've never met a family so pure in heart. Yes, they have faults, sins and issues they battle, but God has worked in them so those battles do not ever detract from His glorious work in their lives... and isn't that the way it should be?
On a personal note, Deb went through chemotherapy for cancer a few years back. If you ever get the chance to sit and talk with her about it--please do! Please! I encourage you. You will leave with the type of steel encouragement that can only come from Deb's desire to see her King glorified in all things. Her testimony is one of faith and trust in God. The sanctifying process for her has been honest and open, wrought with heartache and trial and she has showed me personally what type of God she serves. She is slight in frame, but large on glorifying God. She is reserved in personality, but outgoing in love.
Her husband, Dave, is an amazing, faithful man, who loves God and knows scripture. He is a gentle, quiet soul that when faced with a persecuting and slanderous situation--roars like a lion on behalf of the righteous. He does not sway, swerve and/or compromise the truth and anything less would be unthinkable to him.
Together they are formidable. There are those who serve with the pomp and showiness of a praying Pharisee (Luke 18). The Clymers are the exact opposite. They are the tax collector who never lift their eyes toward heaven in demands of what they think they deserve. They are in a continual state of humility that truly shows us lesser Christians, how we ought to act, if we truly believe what we profess.
Why do I praise God for the Clymers? Because without them, I would have very few people in my life who show me how biblical servanthood ought to look. How desiring the walk in Christ, denying one's own flesh and daily taking a cross can be achieved for an average American family with an extraordinary faith.
I love you Clymers! Thank you for being such a huge blessing in our lives. :)
I'm starting a feature on my blog called Earthly Reliefs. In my life, God has brought me much needed rest from the burden of being in this natural, wretched casing called human flesh through the wonderful pleasure of having Earthly Reliefs. As with all articles on my blog, I'm hoping that this new section will help to display God's glory by showing how Earthly Reliefs have righteously influenced us toward the kingdom of God. I'm hoping that they will encourage any reader of this tiny blog to look for Earthly Reliefs in their own lives. Search for patterns and markers in the people around them that will lead them to seek and befriend these Earthly Reliefs, be mentored by them, mentor and minister to them, and with their Earthly Relief companions, desire the exact same godly image of Christ in every thought, word and deed. And in so doing, by the grace of God, will cling to them, appreciate them and emulate them as earthly models of heavenly godliness. Just as Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:1--he called the church in Corinth to be like him because he imitated Christ. That's what Earthly Reliefs are. Imitators of Christ here on earth set before us to model and follow.... to diligently seek their friendship in every way, thereby surrounding yourself with godly models of Christ for His glory and His alone.
It is no great secret that this is my favorite part of blogging. Oft times, I feel a sense of obligation toward this project I have started--maintaining a blog. Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy sharing stories and silly poems, for the world to see...I'm just that type. But there are times when it's hard to tell who's running whom? I can blame most of that on the aforementioned babbling in my head that keeps me drawn toward blogging thoughts that I am grappling with by my lonesome. It helps to maintain a sense of chaotic order in this noggin' o' mine. But then there are times of great happiness and joy that come along, and my Earthly Relief section is one of them. Thus, this next family.
This is the Dave and Deb Clymer Family. At first glance, they look like an every day, all American family but the Lord has created them for far greater works than just being an average, ordinary family. They are extraordinary in every sense of the word.
I tried thinking of a verse to sum them up as I felt that was the only way to truly do this family the justice that is theirs to enjoy, by God's grace. There were a ton of verses on loving, serving, forgiving, etc., but none seemed to fully capture my feelings toward them. Then Luke 9:23 shot up like a flare--and that seemed most appropriate. "And He was saying to them all, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Initially, I didn't link it to Evangelism Class, but as I am typing just now, I realize that it is one of our class outline verses and so it seems even more appropriate than when I began typing. And that neatest of all is that Dave is one of the godly trainers mentioned in a few of the posts about my beloved Evangelism Class.
These people are no frills, no fluff--walking the walk people. Denying themselves, their comforts, their wants, their desires, themselves in general, seems to be their every day m.o. So much so that you hear of the Clymers serving in ways that seem unimaginable to the rest of us. Notice I said that "you hear of." Meaning, they don't tell you about it. You have to hear from someone else. They're not the type to slip service into conversation--how much they've served, or when they serve, or where they serve. They just do it and don't talk about it--period. They don't complain, they don't gripe--they just serve. Honestly, I've never met a family like them, we're talking family here. Not just Dave or just Deb, but the whole crew. They care not for their conveniences or what they can gain for themselves, they only care for the lost and the Kingdom of God. I've never met a family so pure in heart. Yes, they have faults, sins and issues they battle, but God has worked in them so those battles do not ever detract from His glorious work in their lives... and isn't that the way it should be?
On a personal note, Deb went through chemotherapy for cancer a few years back. If you ever get the chance to sit and talk with her about it--please do! Please! I encourage you. You will leave with the type of steel encouragement that can only come from Deb's desire to see her King glorified in all things. Her testimony is one of faith and trust in God. The sanctifying process for her has been honest and open, wrought with heartache and trial and she has showed me personally what type of God she serves. She is slight in frame, but large on glorifying God. She is reserved in personality, but outgoing in love.
Her husband, Dave, is an amazing, faithful man, who loves God and knows scripture. He is a gentle, quiet soul that when faced with a persecuting and slanderous situation--roars like a lion on behalf of the righteous. He does not sway, swerve and/or compromise the truth and anything less would be unthinkable to him.
Together they are formidable. There are those who serve with the pomp and showiness of a praying Pharisee (Luke 18). The Clymers are the exact opposite. They are the tax collector who never lift their eyes toward heaven in demands of what they think they deserve. They are in a continual state of humility that truly shows us lesser Christians, how we ought to act, if we truly believe what we profess.
Why do I praise God for the Clymers? Because without them, I would have very few people in my life who show me how biblical servanthood ought to look. How desiring the walk in Christ, denying one's own flesh and daily taking a cross can be achieved for an average American family with an extraordinary faith.
I love you Clymers! Thank you for being such a huge blessing in our lives. :)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The End Is Near...
Well, it's sad to even type it, but the end of our beloved evangelism class is near the end. We had a bit of a finale last night with a final outline review and then viewing Way of the Master DVDs.
For those of you who don't know what Way of the Master is--let me tell you, it's quite an organization.
Here's the good: They preach the gospel to the every day joe on the street. They witness and clearly define sin and its consequences. They are bold, confident and well-rehearsed. They know scripture backwards and forwards and can expertly lead a conversation toward just about any end goal of their choosing. They don't discriminate. They don't assume. They just preach.
Before I go on, I want to add a disclaimer that when watching their videos, it is obvious that they are edited. So I may not be giving them a fair shake and if anyone knows more about the organization (which should be just about everyone, because I know very little) then by all means--jump in!
Here's the bad: They're so well-rehearsed that it sometimes comes off a little too scripted. A little too method (for those with any acting experience.) While I think this can be good (I'm just thinking of myself who can tend to stumble and fumble around with my words when confronted with an evangelism opportunity,) they tend to come off as overly rehearsed and it appears to have a disingenuous effect to the viewing audience. Sort of like a Rogaine infomercial on steroids.
Here's the ugly: Their machine gun effect leads me to believe that their theology may not be well-grounded in the word of God that says salvation is from the Lord (Jonah 2:9). At times, they seem almost desperate to get every bit of rehearsed script out so as to get the whole, entire and complete version of their gospel in even though it seems that the person is no longer interested, could care less or has even gone into the irritation mode (Matthew 7:6). That kind of desperate pleading no longer shows the secure knowledge in sovereign grace (irresistible and perfect timing,) it seems to point to a more Arminian approach to things.
Another ugliness point is that their gospel version seemingly neglects a most important fact about God. That He is holy, perfectly holy and that is the standard by which every single person is judged. Every situation, every thought, every deed. They're heavy on sin, but light on holy, which means that people might walk away with a standard that is less than what the bible teaches. To me, if you're going to be heavy on something--the holiness and reverence of God should be right up there (Proverbs 1:7).
The final ugly is this. Scott and I watched a few videos later on that night and none, that we could see (again, editing has its privileges and pains) point people to the local church. A key, key fact. These people, if interested or seemingly approachable, need to be pointed to a good, sound doctrine church in their area. There could be a whole post on this, but I'll refrain.
Before I sound like I'm totally dogging the program, please see the 'good' section in this post. I do think there are a lot of redeemable qualities of the program and I readily admit that they are doing way more evangelism then I could accomplish in three lifetimes. Praise God for Way of the Master!
And then for the capping of the evening. If many of you have been wondering where in the world have all of the children gone while we sit for two hours discussing holiness, depravity and repentance... well, wonder no more. Our dear Pastor's wife, Lisa, committed her time and resources toward teaching our precious ones, the 7-day creation points of the bible. They sang songs, wrote poems and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. At least, I know my kids did and from the look on the faces of every child presenting their work for us to see, they all had a great time and learned some invaluable truths during it.
That's Lisa's heart. Our kids would glean as much from the night as we did.
Well, notice I said that the end is near but not over. That's right, jolly reader. We are not done. We have one more crucial night to go. This is the ultimate in roleplaying. The plan is to go out on the mean streets of West Hartford Center and evangelize. The Pound let loose to run amok! Think of it! :)
It scares the bajeebers out of me to even think of it, but I'm so happy that we have committed to it. We're as ready as we're going to be. Frank and Dave, our trainers extraordinaire, have made us ready for the kind of showing that the AKC could never even begin to put on...or judge.
Please pray for our team this next week and a half. Please pray that God will soften the hearts of all of those who "happen" to be there. Please pray that we will be bold, confident and memorized. Please pray that while nerves will make us weak, God's power will show to be the perfection it is (II Corinthians 12:9). It's exciting for this pack of strays brought into the glorious pound by our dear Master, to be purchased, groomed and sent into all the world.
Please tune in two weeks for the grandest finaliest (silly, I know) of them all....
For those of you who don't know what Way of the Master is--let me tell you, it's quite an organization.
Here's the good: They preach the gospel to the every day joe on the street. They witness and clearly define sin and its consequences. They are bold, confident and well-rehearsed. They know scripture backwards and forwards and can expertly lead a conversation toward just about any end goal of their choosing. They don't discriminate. They don't assume. They just preach.
Before I go on, I want to add a disclaimer that when watching their videos, it is obvious that they are edited. So I may not be giving them a fair shake and if anyone knows more about the organization (which should be just about everyone, because I know very little) then by all means--jump in!
Here's the bad: They're so well-rehearsed that it sometimes comes off a little too scripted. A little too method (for those with any acting experience.) While I think this can be good (I'm just thinking of myself who can tend to stumble and fumble around with my words when confronted with an evangelism opportunity,) they tend to come off as overly rehearsed and it appears to have a disingenuous effect to the viewing audience. Sort of like a Rogaine infomercial on steroids.
Here's the ugly: Their machine gun effect leads me to believe that their theology may not be well-grounded in the word of God that says salvation is from the Lord (Jonah 2:9). At times, they seem almost desperate to get every bit of rehearsed script out so as to get the whole, entire and complete version of their gospel in even though it seems that the person is no longer interested, could care less or has even gone into the irritation mode (Matthew 7:6). That kind of desperate pleading no longer shows the secure knowledge in sovereign grace (irresistible and perfect timing,) it seems to point to a more Arminian approach to things.
Another ugliness point is that their gospel version seemingly neglects a most important fact about God. That He is holy, perfectly holy and that is the standard by which every single person is judged. Every situation, every thought, every deed. They're heavy on sin, but light on holy, which means that people might walk away with a standard that is less than what the bible teaches. To me, if you're going to be heavy on something--the holiness and reverence of God should be right up there (Proverbs 1:7).
The final ugly is this. Scott and I watched a few videos later on that night and none, that we could see (again, editing has its privileges and pains) point people to the local church. A key, key fact. These people, if interested or seemingly approachable, need to be pointed to a good, sound doctrine church in their area. There could be a whole post on this, but I'll refrain.
Before I sound like I'm totally dogging the program, please see the 'good' section in this post. I do think there are a lot of redeemable qualities of the program and I readily admit that they are doing way more evangelism then I could accomplish in three lifetimes. Praise God for Way of the Master!
And then for the capping of the evening. If many of you have been wondering where in the world have all of the children gone while we sit for two hours discussing holiness, depravity and repentance... well, wonder no more. Our dear Pastor's wife, Lisa, committed her time and resources toward teaching our precious ones, the 7-day creation points of the bible. They sang songs, wrote poems and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. At least, I know my kids did and from the look on the faces of every child presenting their work for us to see, they all had a great time and learned some invaluable truths during it.
That's Lisa's heart. Our kids would glean as much from the night as we did.
Well, notice I said that the end is near but not over. That's right, jolly reader. We are not done. We have one more crucial night to go. This is the ultimate in roleplaying. The plan is to go out on the mean streets of West Hartford Center and evangelize. The Pound let loose to run amok! Think of it! :)
It scares the bajeebers out of me to even think of it, but I'm so happy that we have committed to it. We're as ready as we're going to be. Frank and Dave, our trainers extraordinaire, have made us ready for the kind of showing that the AKC could never even begin to put on...or judge.
Please pray for our team this next week and a half. Please pray that God will soften the hearts of all of those who "happen" to be there. Please pray that we will be bold, confident and memorized. Please pray that while nerves will make us weak, God's power will show to be the perfection it is (II Corinthians 12:9). It's exciting for this pack of strays brought into the glorious pound by our dear Master, to be purchased, groomed and sent into all the world.
Please tune in two weeks for the grandest finaliest (silly, I know) of them all....
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Lest I forget,
Lest I forget my humble beginnings,
Lest I forget my orphan status,
Lest I forget my American adoption,
Lest I forget my parent's sacrifice,
Lest I forget my night fevers,
Lest I forget my childhood fears,
Lest I forget my homecooked meals,
Lest I forget my safe, warm bed,
Lest I forget my doctor's visits,
Lest I forget my dental care,
Lest I forget my love for reading,
Lest I forget my nightly homework,
Lest I forget my expensive field trips,
Lest I forget my endless concerts, plays, choirs, youth events, camps, church functions, roller skating expeditions,
Lest I forget my telephone marathons,
Lest I forget my teenage drama,
Lest I forget my Mom's consolation,
Lest I forget my Dad's firm restraint,
Lest I forget my Christian upbringing,
Lest I forget my hearing the gospel,
Lest I forget my academic years,
Lest I forget my paying jobs,
Lest I forget my roommate antics,
Lest I forget my wayward ways,
Lest I forget my heart being drawn,
Lest I forget my peaceful solitude,
Lest I forget my dates with THE boy,
Lest I forget my receiving a ring,
Lest I forget my wedding day,
Lest I forget our apartment together
Lest I forget our Moody Church days,
Lest I forget our date nights out,
Lest I forget our first pregnancy test,
Lest I forget our 1st child, then #2, then #3,
Lest I forget our first home, then #2, then #3,
Lest I forget our friends and family,
Lest I forget our finding Calvary, then Grace,
Lest I forget our dear Pastor,
Lest I forget our Pastor's family,
Lest I forget our Pastor's passion and zeal for the inerrancy of scripture, sound doctrine and Lordship authority; and living it,
Lest I forget our spiritual growth,
Lest I forget our service opportunities,
Lest I forget our brothers and sisters in Christ,
Lest I forget our growth and maturity,
Lest I forget how wonderful the conviction of how far we have to go really is,
Lest I forget that in all of my complaining, grumbling, mumbling, bemoaning, clamorous, lamenting, bellyaching, bewailing, yelping, crabbing and otherwise, just downright sinful moments of my life...
There is HIS cross.
Lest I forget my orphan status,
Lest I forget my American adoption,
Lest I forget my parent's sacrifice,
Lest I forget my night fevers,
Lest I forget my childhood fears,
Lest I forget my homecooked meals,
Lest I forget my safe, warm bed,
Lest I forget my doctor's visits,
Lest I forget my dental care,
Lest I forget my love for reading,
Lest I forget my nightly homework,
Lest I forget my expensive field trips,
Lest I forget my endless concerts, plays, choirs, youth events, camps, church functions, roller skating expeditions,
Lest I forget my telephone marathons,
Lest I forget my teenage drama,
Lest I forget my Mom's consolation,
Lest I forget my Dad's firm restraint,
Lest I forget my Christian upbringing,
Lest I forget my hearing the gospel,
Lest I forget my academic years,
Lest I forget my paying jobs,
Lest I forget my roommate antics,
Lest I forget my wayward ways,
Lest I forget my heart being drawn,
Lest I forget my peaceful solitude,
Lest I forget my dates with THE boy,
Lest I forget my receiving a ring,
Lest I forget my wedding day,
Lest I forget our apartment together
Lest I forget our Moody Church days,
Lest I forget our date nights out,
Lest I forget our first pregnancy test,
Lest I forget our 1st child, then #2, then #3,
Lest I forget our first home, then #2, then #3,
Lest I forget our friends and family,
Lest I forget our finding Calvary, then Grace,
Lest I forget our dear Pastor,
Lest I forget our Pastor's family,
Lest I forget our Pastor's passion and zeal for the inerrancy of scripture, sound doctrine and Lordship authority; and living it,
Lest I forget our spiritual growth,
Lest I forget our service opportunities,
Lest I forget our brothers and sisters in Christ,
Lest I forget our growth and maturity,
Lest I forget how wonderful the conviction of how far we have to go really is,
Lest I forget that in all of my complaining, grumbling, mumbling, bemoaning, clamorous, lamenting, bellyaching, bewailing, yelping, crabbing and otherwise, just downright sinful moments of my life...
There is HIS cross.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Evangelim Dog Pound--(Wo)Man's Best Friend
There are times in your life when the Lord allows you a glimpse into dedication, loyalty and faithfulness...all attributed to man's best friend. Well, I have the best of it all--the ultimate Friend, Christ, who displays His awesome love for me through providing dear, wonderfully talented sisters-in-Christ. The type of sisters you wouldn't trade for a big, beautiful yacht, a fast, racy Jag....or all of the Twinkies in the world! One such sister is Peggy Jo--who has been the star pooch in our Evangelism Dog Pound class on... well, evangelism.
I missed last Wednesday night because one of my pup's was sick and she, in her graciousness, though her life is very full and busy now, wrote a blurb so this blog could maintain a faithful summary of the night's activities. I post this with much thanks and love for her!!
"I love you, dear friend and I do believe there'll be an extra doggy treat in heaven for you... better than rawhide! :) Love you, PJo!!!"
Peggy Jo Style:
This past Wednesday evening, Grace Evangelism covered the issue of conviction when presenting the Gospel. Frank used the three elements of the Law: moral, ceremonial and civil, to show the importance of pointing the hearer to their sin through the conviction of breaking God's Laws, the 10 commandments. (Romans 3:20b). This lesson was a natural outflow of the last class, when most found that while role playing, it was more natural to begin with a discussion of sin, in explaining the gospel. But the question that arose was how to deal with a hearer that has no idea of what sin is or whether they are a sinner.
We discussed the need to use God's Moral Laws or the 10 Commandments, to speak directly to the conscience of the person to whom we are witnessing. (Romans 2:15), the purpose of the Law, to leave the sinner speechless and without excuse, and accountable to God. Through Christ's being the fulfillment of the Law Frank noted that we no longer have a need to practice ceremonial laws like cleansing rituals, nor do we have to practice Jewish Old Testament Law, like the rules for gleaning the fields. (Ephesians 2:11-19). Yet, Frank pointed out that the practice of the Moral Law endures. Frank stated that in Romans 2, under the Law of God the Jew is without excuse because of God's written Law and the Gentile is without excuse because God's Law is written upon his heart. If the hearer then shuts his mouth before God's Law and admits his guilt, the Grace of the Gospel is at work. At this point Frank introduced a method of questioning the hearer about God's Laws, in order to show them their sin. You can google "The Way of the Master," and check this out in more detail.
In short, you ask the hearer if they consider themselves a good person, then begin to ask them if they have kept the 10 Commandments, listing the commandments one by one. You bring the hearer to the point of having to admit that they are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart. You then ask the hearer if they would be innocent or guilty, if judged according to the 10 Commandments. And, then ask if they would go to heaven or hell. Once the hearer admits their guilt and realizes God's judgement, it is then a natural progression to continue with what the class has already learned about Christ as Savior and the need for the hearer to repent and believe.
We watched some video footage of The Way of the Master, with the interviewers questioning people in this manner. I thought it was very helpful to see the different reactions and answers that people gave, and how the interviewer handled the responses. As always, this course continues to give me more and more confidence, excitement and compassion in sharing God's revealed Word with other people, knowing that God's Word is being sewn and that God will do the watering.
"Just one remaining question, when will you be getting your own blog!?"
[Editor's Note: If you have ever wondered what true Christian sisterhood is...follow this. Get married, have three children, move to CT, go to a new church plant, hang out for a year, meet a new family, have them over for the occasional lunch and homeschool fun, exchange witty, engaging E-mails, pray for each other, love each other, converse with each other, laugh with each other, start a blog, attend a church class on evangelism, blog about the class, have a child get sick, miss the class....enter true sisterhood.]
I missed last Wednesday night because one of my pup's was sick and she, in her graciousness, though her life is very full and busy now, wrote a blurb so this blog could maintain a faithful summary of the night's activities. I post this with much thanks and love for her!!
"I love you, dear friend and I do believe there'll be an extra doggy treat in heaven for you... better than rawhide! :) Love you, PJo!!!"
Peggy Jo Style:
This past Wednesday evening, Grace Evangelism covered the issue of conviction when presenting the Gospel. Frank used the three elements of the Law: moral, ceremonial and civil, to show the importance of pointing the hearer to their sin through the conviction of breaking God's Laws, the 10 commandments. (Romans 3:20b). This lesson was a natural outflow of the last class, when most found that while role playing, it was more natural to begin with a discussion of sin, in explaining the gospel. But the question that arose was how to deal with a hearer that has no idea of what sin is or whether they are a sinner.
We discussed the need to use God's Moral Laws or the 10 Commandments, to speak directly to the conscience of the person to whom we are witnessing. (Romans 2:15), the purpose of the Law, to leave the sinner speechless and without excuse, and accountable to God. Through Christ's being the fulfillment of the Law Frank noted that we no longer have a need to practice ceremonial laws like cleansing rituals, nor do we have to practice Jewish Old Testament Law, like the rules for gleaning the fields. (Ephesians 2:11-19). Yet, Frank pointed out that the practice of the Moral Law endures. Frank stated that in Romans 2, under the Law of God the Jew is without excuse because of God's written Law and the Gentile is without excuse because God's Law is written upon his heart. If the hearer then shuts his mouth before God's Law and admits his guilt, the Grace of the Gospel is at work. At this point Frank introduced a method of questioning the hearer about God's Laws, in order to show them their sin. You can google "The Way of the Master," and check this out in more detail.
In short, you ask the hearer if they consider themselves a good person, then begin to ask them if they have kept the 10 Commandments, listing the commandments one by one. You bring the hearer to the point of having to admit that they are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart. You then ask the hearer if they would be innocent or guilty, if judged according to the 10 Commandments. And, then ask if they would go to heaven or hell. Once the hearer admits their guilt and realizes God's judgement, it is then a natural progression to continue with what the class has already learned about Christ as Savior and the need for the hearer to repent and believe.
We watched some video footage of The Way of the Master, with the interviewers questioning people in this manner. I thought it was very helpful to see the different reactions and answers that people gave, and how the interviewer handled the responses. As always, this course continues to give me more and more confidence, excitement and compassion in sharing God's revealed Word with other people, knowing that God's Word is being sewn and that God will do the watering.
"Just one remaining question, when will you be getting your own blog!?"
[Editor's Note: If you have ever wondered what true Christian sisterhood is...follow this. Get married, have three children, move to CT, go to a new church plant, hang out for a year, meet a new family, have them over for the occasional lunch and homeschool fun, exchange witty, engaging E-mails, pray for each other, love each other, converse with each other, laugh with each other, start a blog, attend a church class on evangelism, blog about the class, have a child get sick, miss the class....enter true sisterhood.]
Friday, October 17, 2008
Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce
In keeping with the dry theme of this blog, I've decided to start a new category called "Book Nook." This little cuddly corner of my blog will hopefully give you the opportunity to feel like we're sitting together next to a warm, cozy fire, sipping homemade hot chocolate (lots of marshmallows!) in the middle of January, discussing the most recent "great read" in our repertoire. A book review category for those without an imagination.
Honestly, I'm not well-read or at least not well-read in the theology department. To rectify that, I have started a reading campaign. I invite anyone who's interested to read my book reviews and comment in the comments section or via E-mail, their thoughts...especially if they have read the same book. A group book club would be ideal, with lots of titillating discussion, but I think I'm overshooting things a bit, so for right now, I would be completely content with any corrections or other summations of the book.
Upfront, I will give to you some patterned guidelines that I intend to follow for each review:
1) I'll personally rate each book from 1 to 5 stars (5= blow-your-socks-off-wow!)
2) I'll try to give a short, brief overview of the book. Probably plagiarized right from the book's jacket.
3) I'll try and give you a very biased, subjective opinion of what I thought about the book.
This first book choice is fairly easy because of the size of this book, although power-packed, nonetheless.
Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce by John Piper
Overall I give this book a 4-star rating.
Honestly, I'm not well-read or at least not well-read in the theology department. To rectify that, I have started a reading campaign. I invite anyone who's interested to read my book reviews and comment in the comments section or via E-mail, their thoughts...especially if they have read the same book. A group book club would be ideal, with lots of titillating discussion, but I think I'm overshooting things a bit, so for right now, I would be completely content with any corrections or other summations of the book.
Upfront, I will give to you some patterned guidelines that I intend to follow for each review:
1) I'll personally rate each book from 1 to 5 stars (5= blow-your-socks-off-wow!)
2) I'll try to give a short, brief overview of the book. Probably plagiarized right from the book's jacket.
3) I'll try and give you a very biased, subjective opinion of what I thought about the book.
This first book choice is fairly easy because of the size of this book, although power-packed, nonetheless.
Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce by John Piper
Overall I give this book a 4-star rating.
Many are aware of Wilberforce's role in bringing an end to slavery in Great Britain, but few have taken the time to examine the beliefs and motivations that spurred him on for decades. In this concise volume, John Piper tells the story of how Wilberforce was transformed from an unbelieving, young politician into a radically God-centered Christian, and how his deep spirituality helped to change the moral outlook of a nation.As world leaders debate over how to deal with a host of social justice and humanitarian crises, a closer look at Wilberforce's life and faith serves as an encouragement and example to all believers.
(Foreword by Jonathan Aitken)
Against great obstacles William Wilberforce, an evangelical member of Parliament, fought for the abolition of the African slave trade and against slavery itself until they were both illegal in the British Empire. Many are aware of Wilberforce’s role in bringing an end to slavery in Great Britain, but few have taken the time to examine his beliefs and motivations that spurred him on for decades. In this concise volume, John Piper tells the story of Wilberforce’s transformation from an unbelieving young politician into a radically God-centered Christian and how his deep spirituality helped to change the moral outlook of a nation.
As world leaders debate over how to deal with a host of social justice and humanitarian crises, a closer look at Wilberforce’s life and faith serves as an encouragement and an example to all believers.
Against great obstacles William Wilberforce, an evangelical member of Parliament, fought for the abolition of the African slave trade and against slavery itself until they were both illegal in the British Empire. Many are aware of Wilberforce’s role in bringing an end to slavery in Great Britain, but few have taken the time to examine his beliefs and motivations that spurred him on for decades. In this concise volume, John Piper tells the story of Wilberforce’s transformation from an unbelieving young politician into a radically God-centered Christian and how his deep spirituality helped to change the moral outlook of a nation.
As world leaders debate over how to deal with a host of social justice and humanitarian crises, a closer look at Wilberforce’s life and faith serves as an encouragement and an example to all believers.
As a fairly quick, comprehensive reader, I was able to read this book in about 3-4 days...without much effort. It's only about 75 pages, so even without the boastful announcement, I think it's safe to say that it can be viewed as an easy read. Dr. Piper is one of my favorite authors and he did not fail me here. In this book, Wilberforce's life was portrayed in a full array of colors that any professing believer should find interesting. Piper paints a wonderful portrait of a man wrought with trials, struggles and the occasional sin (yes! even our heroes are sinful.) Wilberforce used Christianity as a basis for all that he did; not the other way around, like those with a political agenda and use Christianity as a means to an end. He showed Wilberforce's struggles within himself and clearly writes how this affected and permeated his life, family and political aspirations. He weaves a great story of facts and historical events without the usual yawn effect those types of factoids have on me.
This would be a great read, I think, for teenagers as well as adults. I would toy with the idea of having our homeschool children write a paper on this book as they get older. Oh joy!
Just a warning, though. If you are looking for an all-consuming biography on Wilberforce, then you will be sorely disappointed. I don't think that was Piper's intent, as I'm fairly sure, if it was, he would have written as such. But if your intent is to read a book that enlightens you on the highlights of Wilberforce's life; while glorifying God in the process... then this is your book.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Little Mirth
There once was a dog named Patti,
Whose mischevious acts were baddy.
She dug up the grass,
A naughty young lass,
And made her dear owners real saddy.
There once was a boy named Jacob,
Who, in the morning, would wake up.
Piano today,
For baseball to play
And other fun sports to take up.
There once was a girl named Ellie,
Who stared 'till you felt real chilly.
She stared and she stared,
and she stared and she stared,
A scary, young, innocent filly.
There once was babe named Caleb,
Who loved all his stories made up.
You'd tickle his ribs,
He'd laugh in his crib,
And then he'd like throwing his bib up.
There once was a lady named Mummy,
Whose make-up would often look runny.
She did not quite care,
About all her hair,
And that's why it always looks funny.
There once was a fair man named Daddy,
Who liked when him minions were happy.
He loved his honey,
His daughter and sonnies,
And even their puppy named Patti.
Whose mischevious acts were baddy.
She dug up the grass,
A naughty young lass,
And made her dear owners real saddy.
There once was a boy named Jacob,
Who, in the morning, would wake up.
Piano today,
For baseball to play
And other fun sports to take up.
There once was a girl named Ellie,
Who stared 'till you felt real chilly.
She stared and she stared,
and she stared and she stared,
A scary, young, innocent filly.
There once was babe named Caleb,
Who loved all his stories made up.
You'd tickle his ribs,
He'd laugh in his crib,
And then he'd like throwing his bib up.
There once was a lady named Mummy,
Whose make-up would often look runny.
She did not quite care,
About all her hair,
And that's why it always looks funny.
There once was a fair man named Daddy,
Who liked when him minions were happy.
He loved his honey,
His daughter and sonnies,
And even their puppy named Patti.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Growing Up Noble
I had a hard time trying to decide on how to label this post. I have two specific category labels that it would fit. One is Growing Up Noble and one is Teaching From Becoming A T2W. So I decided to do what any self-respecting, wordy blogger would do in this dilemma--name it one label and categorize it under the other. Clever-eh?
Blogging about this topic is going to take some work on my part. Many of my previous posts are just ramblings of this and that and here or there. Nothing organized or certainly grammatically correct--but that's not the main goal. The main goal is to convey ideas that are dancing around in this mini-ocean I call a brain. Thoughts and (sometimes) weighty pressings that I feel the Holy Spirit places on my heart to chew over again, and again, and again, and again, and again--very appropriate for an Iowan girl to have cow-like tendencies.
But this post will take some thought to really get across what I'd like to say and if I fail in any part--it could really bomb. Not that other posts haven't bombed, but this could really be a doosey.
I'll start with this...a quote from a previous beloved Pastor back in our urban Chicago days. Pastor Bertsche married Scott and me when we attended Moody Memorial Church. He counseled us one day a week for 9 weeks straight (standard counseling session--had nothing to do with the amount of counseling that we needed--well, at least in Scott's case.) Bertsche (soon to be Doctor Bertsche) made a huge impact on us in many ways and we would love to have him be in our lives on a regular basis--but as in all good things--sometimes they have to come to an end. Anyway, I digress. Here's his quote from our counseling session:
"A parent's truest success is not in raising children who become doctors or lawyers or teachers or even function well in society. The truest measure of success for a parent is that their child(ren) gave their life defending the name of Jesus Christ." That has always stuck with me. It is an awesome statement and one that haunts me to this day. Everything that I have done as a parent; all that I have prayed; everything that I have read in the name of parenting--has carried that mark and by the grace of God--my children will come to value that their Mommy desired for them not that they would succeed by the world's standards, but that they literally died for the name of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bertsche also challenged us that we need to raise them to leave the home. That should always be the main focus of parenting. They are not ours, they are God's. The tighter grip we have on them; the less of a grip they will have on God. Oh sure! They can regurgitate with the best of them, but that is all it is--pure imitation of us. Until we loosen our grip, their hands will clutch tight to the ones they see providing for them.
So as you can see, if I don't clearly explain myself, it can really look like I desire that my children would be underachieving, non-functional thugs that end up dead on the streets in Africa. Not quite a MOTY (Mother-of-the-Year) award moment--wouldn't you say?
How has this looked in our home? There are some small, very insignificant activities we try to acheive in any given day, but hopefully all will amount to seeding and watering on ground that is tilled and fertilized by the only Farmer that counts, for the Kingdom of God.
1) Devotions. Devotional time is of the utmost. Reading, memorizing and explaining scripture is foremost.
2) Learning hymns. Christian songs (some of them anyway) are great, but it's the hymns that are the rock-solid, standing-the-test-of-time music that will help carry them through the trials in their lives.
3) Discipline. Yes, there's that nasty, controversial word that no one likes to use, yet the bible is clear. If your child isn't controlled enough to teach, then nothing that you teach will help him with self-control.
4) Teaching. The handmaiden of discipline. It's like peanut butter cups. You can't have one without the other unless you'll end up with just chocolate or just peanut butter--just wrong!
5) Regular church attendance. Attending a healthy (not perfect) church that teaches sound doctrine is an essential.
6) Active involvement in our local church. While this wouldn't be the main reason that we are involved, this certainly has provided many opportunities for our children to see what homegrown ministry is all about. Imperfect humans relating to imperfect humans on a daily basis--growing in love, being sanctified, practicing humility, forgiving and being forgiven. All great activities for the watchful eyes of our impressionable (possibly missions-minded) children.
7) Homeschool. We don't believe that people who homeschool are better Christians, we just believe that for our family, it is a way for us to be able to encourage our children toward the adult goals we have in mind for them.
8) Learn an instrument. What better way to encourage your child toward a fruitful, enduring ministry than to learn how to play an instrument--preferably in a style that doesn't make you boogie too much?
9) Hard work. Our children have chores, lots of chores. What is the worse kind of help that could possibly come to a missions field? A worker sent that doesn't like to work--indoors or out.
10) Picky eaters. Not allowed. Period. End of story. None of our children have ever been allowed to be picky eaters. Whether in survival mode or cultural mode, we would hope that fried chicken and boiled frog legs would be met with equal zeal. Of course, we don't expect all foods to be like that. We know that given there is quite a variety out there--it would be impossible, but if we can lay a good foundation for "eating what's in front of them," then we've pushed them one step closer toward a stranger lifestyle.
11) Discernment. I pray that Scott and I have the type of discernment that will see past the words and attitudes that my children like to mirror now; and will open up my ears and eyes to what is really in their heart. (Although, I realize I will only see in part.) Likewise, I equally pray that the Lord will deafen and blind my child to the numerous mistakes that I make with them.
It's a beginner's list. There are quite a few smaller details that we try to involve our kids in, but this is a springboard to the deep, missional-mind waters that we hope our kids will be open to swimming in. We're not saying that this is the only path that God will lead them on, but what we are saying is that if it is--this might possibly be the hardest path they will encounter and we want them to be well-equipped at home for it.
To be clear, we aren't trying to manufacture little pastors or missionaries. We just want to wisely redeem our time with them and give them every opportunity to be missions-minded so if the call comes in, they won't have to fight some of the external reasons of why not to go.
I'll leave you with a snippet that I pulled from the Desiring God blog. I've already posted the whole article and sent it around to every single woman that I could think of that even breathed the name Jesus Christ, as I thought it was pretty powerful and enriching stuff. In it was a quote from a 13 year old--her name is Esther. She says a very powerful statement that immediately gave me a jolt of renewed enthusiasm for the single vision of what we want our children to look like when they are older. This would be about as close as any scenario that I can think of:
Gladys and Esther Staines
The opposite of a wimpy woman is Gladys Staines who in 1999, after serving with her husband Graham in India for three decades learned that he and their two sons, Phillip (10) and Timothy (6), had been set on fire and burned alive by the very people they had served for 34 years, said, “I have only one message for the people of India. I’m not bitter. Neither am I angry. Let us burn hatred and spread the flame of Christ’s love.”
The opposite of a wimpy woman is her 13-year-old daughter Esther (rightly named!) who said, when asked how she felt about her father’s murder, “I praise the Lord that He found my father worthy to die for Him.”
Would my children praise God for taking us if the circumstances were deemed an immature and unwarranted death? I pray that they would and moreso, I pray that what I have taught them is a high view and totally dependency toward God and an absolute low view and dependent-less of their parents.
Matthew 10:37-39 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it."
Luke 14:26-27, "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
May it truly be my heart's desire that I am raising my children to "hate" me as it directly ties into their enduring and undying love for Christ as Lord and Owner of everything--including my three blessings.
Blogging about this topic is going to take some work on my part. Many of my previous posts are just ramblings of this and that and here or there. Nothing organized or certainly grammatically correct--but that's not the main goal. The main goal is to convey ideas that are dancing around in this mini-ocean I call a brain. Thoughts and (sometimes) weighty pressings that I feel the Holy Spirit places on my heart to chew over again, and again, and again, and again, and again--very appropriate for an Iowan girl to have cow-like tendencies.
But this post will take some thought to really get across what I'd like to say and if I fail in any part--it could really bomb. Not that other posts haven't bombed, but this could really be a doosey.
I'll start with this...a quote from a previous beloved Pastor back in our urban Chicago days. Pastor Bertsche married Scott and me when we attended Moody Memorial Church. He counseled us one day a week for 9 weeks straight (standard counseling session--had nothing to do with the amount of counseling that we needed--well, at least in Scott's case.) Bertsche (soon to be Doctor Bertsche) made a huge impact on us in many ways and we would love to have him be in our lives on a regular basis--but as in all good things--sometimes they have to come to an end. Anyway, I digress. Here's his quote from our counseling session:
"A parent's truest success is not in raising children who become doctors or lawyers or teachers or even function well in society. The truest measure of success for a parent is that their child(ren) gave their life defending the name of Jesus Christ." That has always stuck with me. It is an awesome statement and one that haunts me to this day. Everything that I have done as a parent; all that I have prayed; everything that I have read in the name of parenting--has carried that mark and by the grace of God--my children will come to value that their Mommy desired for them not that they would succeed by the world's standards, but that they literally died for the name of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bertsche also challenged us that we need to raise them to leave the home. That should always be the main focus of parenting. They are not ours, they are God's. The tighter grip we have on them; the less of a grip they will have on God. Oh sure! They can regurgitate with the best of them, but that is all it is--pure imitation of us. Until we loosen our grip, their hands will clutch tight to the ones they see providing for them.
So as you can see, if I don't clearly explain myself, it can really look like I desire that my children would be underachieving, non-functional thugs that end up dead on the streets in Africa. Not quite a MOTY (Mother-of-the-Year) award moment--wouldn't you say?
How has this looked in our home? There are some small, very insignificant activities we try to acheive in any given day, but hopefully all will amount to seeding and watering on ground that is tilled and fertilized by the only Farmer that counts, for the Kingdom of God.
1) Devotions. Devotional time is of the utmost. Reading, memorizing and explaining scripture is foremost.
2) Learning hymns. Christian songs (some of them anyway) are great, but it's the hymns that are the rock-solid, standing-the-test-of-time music that will help carry them through the trials in their lives.
3) Discipline. Yes, there's that nasty, controversial word that no one likes to use, yet the bible is clear. If your child isn't controlled enough to teach, then nothing that you teach will help him with self-control.
4) Teaching. The handmaiden of discipline. It's like peanut butter cups. You can't have one without the other unless you'll end up with just chocolate or just peanut butter--just wrong!
5) Regular church attendance. Attending a healthy (not perfect) church that teaches sound doctrine is an essential.
6) Active involvement in our local church. While this wouldn't be the main reason that we are involved, this certainly has provided many opportunities for our children to see what homegrown ministry is all about. Imperfect humans relating to imperfect humans on a daily basis--growing in love, being sanctified, practicing humility, forgiving and being forgiven. All great activities for the watchful eyes of our impressionable (possibly missions-minded) children.
7) Homeschool. We don't believe that people who homeschool are better Christians, we just believe that for our family, it is a way for us to be able to encourage our children toward the adult goals we have in mind for them.
8) Learn an instrument. What better way to encourage your child toward a fruitful, enduring ministry than to learn how to play an instrument--preferably in a style that doesn't make you boogie too much?
9) Hard work. Our children have chores, lots of chores. What is the worse kind of help that could possibly come to a missions field? A worker sent that doesn't like to work--indoors or out.
10) Picky eaters. Not allowed. Period. End of story. None of our children have ever been allowed to be picky eaters. Whether in survival mode or cultural mode, we would hope that fried chicken and boiled frog legs would be met with equal zeal. Of course, we don't expect all foods to be like that. We know that given there is quite a variety out there--it would be impossible, but if we can lay a good foundation for "eating what's in front of them," then we've pushed them one step closer toward a stranger lifestyle.
11) Discernment. I pray that Scott and I have the type of discernment that will see past the words and attitudes that my children like to mirror now; and will open up my ears and eyes to what is really in their heart. (Although, I realize I will only see in part.) Likewise, I equally pray that the Lord will deafen and blind my child to the numerous mistakes that I make with them.
It's a beginner's list. There are quite a few smaller details that we try to involve our kids in, but this is a springboard to the deep, missional-mind waters that we hope our kids will be open to swimming in. We're not saying that this is the only path that God will lead them on, but what we are saying is that if it is--this might possibly be the hardest path they will encounter and we want them to be well-equipped at home for it.
To be clear, we aren't trying to manufacture little pastors or missionaries. We just want to wisely redeem our time with them and give them every opportunity to be missions-minded so if the call comes in, they won't have to fight some of the external reasons of why not to go.
I'll leave you with a snippet that I pulled from the Desiring God blog. I've already posted the whole article and sent it around to every single woman that I could think of that even breathed the name Jesus Christ, as I thought it was pretty powerful and enriching stuff. In it was a quote from a 13 year old--her name is Esther. She says a very powerful statement that immediately gave me a jolt of renewed enthusiasm for the single vision of what we want our children to look like when they are older. This would be about as close as any scenario that I can think of:
Gladys and Esther Staines
The opposite of a wimpy woman is Gladys Staines who in 1999, after serving with her husband Graham in India for three decades learned that he and their two sons, Phillip (10) and Timothy (6), had been set on fire and burned alive by the very people they had served for 34 years, said, “I have only one message for the people of India. I’m not bitter. Neither am I angry. Let us burn hatred and spread the flame of Christ’s love.”
The opposite of a wimpy woman is her 13-year-old daughter Esther (rightly named!) who said, when asked how she felt about her father’s murder, “I praise the Lord that He found my father worthy to die for Him.”
Would my children praise God for taking us if the circumstances were deemed an immature and unwarranted death? I pray that they would and moreso, I pray that what I have taught them is a high view and totally dependency toward God and an absolute low view and dependent-less of their parents.
Matthew 10:37-39 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it."
Luke 14:26-27, "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
May it truly be my heart's desire that I am raising my children to "hate" me as it directly ties into their enduring and undying love for Christ as Lord and Owner of everything--including my three blessings.
Endurance Is Not For the Faint of Heart
I wish I had a "Paul." Now those of you who know me, know that I am absolutely, one hundred percent in love with my appointed husband, Scott Noble. So to be perfectly clear and concise, wishing for a "Paul" does not include a physical man named Paul. Indulge me.
II Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;"
The other day, my oldest son was wearing his T-shirt with these words on it. It started me on a line of thinking that intersected with my current mental trial (please see previous post.) I don't have a Paul in my life. I guess it would be more fair (and more godly) to say, I don't really have a "Paul-a" in my life. Someone who is regenerated and has fought through countless physical and mental trials and; by His grace, has endured. Someone with an incredible hunger for theology and doctrine; knowing that any foundation of service is built on an endless knowledge of the Triune God. This woman would have an unquenchable thirst for sound teaching, a genuine grasp for the pinpoint accuracy of biblical doctrine, and a huge vocabulary of theological terms. My "Paul-a" would understand the importance of these and how a passion for seminary-level knowledge builds a fortified strength and belief system that can withstand the modern day shipwreck, beatings, false imprisonments and yes, even the occasional modern-day stoning. II Corinthians 11:23-28.
The Apostle Paul wrote II Timothy later on in his apostolic career. To say that he had already suffered a lot would be quite the understatement; but it's true. He wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome at a time when there was mass desertion of so-called disciples. But more than just a knowledgeable character, he practiced with consuming passion, all that he knew and taught. He was the imperfect, human model of humility. He loved with the kind of love that saturated his life and gave him the rare ability to see his church plants as his children. His patience with the sheep that he shepherd was limitless and he taught with the kind of long-suffering and endurance that was only built out of his clear understanding of who Christ was and who he was without Christ. And as a thanks for all of his work, a lot of his disciples left him. So what kept him going?
This is where I started building my perfect Titus 2 "Paul-a." I started thinking of her factory built-ins. I started detailing in my mind, what I thought she would spiritually look like; possess and desire. The list just kept getting longer, but ultimately, I knew that she would practice her knowledge with such preciseness and complete discernment that it could only be attributed to the true domination of the Holy Spirit that resided in her.
I realize this is quite a fantasy I have going on. But I am beginning to think that the desire that should grow inside every Titus 2 woman has that harmonious blend of knowledge and practice. The Proverbs 31 woman had it. Notice in Proverbs 31:26--this single verse embodies knowledge and practice of a godly, Titus woman who knows the complete scriptures by the wisdom and kindness she teaches. Where is she getting this wisdom? Any Proverbs 31 woman knows that the only wisdom is the wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord. She can only know to fear the Lord by reading His statutes and commandments--the bible.
There are a lot of women with either, but not both. Women who know so much head knowledge, but to see the practice in their lives is somewhat discouraging. Likewise, there are kind, faithful, loving women who wouldn't be able to simply distinguish between pneumotology and soteriology. That is equally discouraging.
Which brings me to the example of Paul. I can't imagine being taught by this man or being one of his first disciples. To see this man in action must have been pretty amazing....yet I guess there were many who remained unimpressed. Many who deserted. Those who were not as dazzled by this man's intelligence and abilities as I have been. So it leaves me to wonder what is the difference between those who imitate him (as he imitates Christ--I Corinthians 11:1) and those who sit under his teaching; read his letters first-hand; have visual knowledge of his earthly ministries; and yet defect?
The difference is endurance. To have a lasting ministry takes the divine factor that none of us called to know and serve can ever attain without the Triune God. I'm realizing that endurance is what separates the 'boys from the men'; 'girls from the gals.' Growing up in church and now being privileged to serve in my local church, I have had enough experience with professed believers to know that everyone has their proverbial shipwrecks, imprisonments, lashings, beatings and a plethora of other hardships. When you're dealing with humans on a regular basis, that is going to happen. We all have things that we think are the absolute worst thing that can happen to us and no one else understands me, me, me; but God, in His absolute detailed care of us, shows us that He does understand and allows human relationships (both joyous and sorrowful) to sanctify us; while we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12-13) In fact, those proverbial stonings have their place--read James 1:2-3. Trials produce endurance.
I realize now that the importance of the local church and why Paul's heart for healthy church plants was so that professed believers could be sanctified and produce endurance. In a healthy, imperfect church--there are enough sanctifying, heart-wrenching, gut-tearing afflictions that even if you're minimally involved, you will experience them.
In my lifetime, I've seen enough people quit church. I've heard a lot of excuses of why they don't go to church. Hypocrites, cold shoulders, lack of caring, polity run amok and the list goes on and on of so-called reasons. But if you're not a part of a healthy local church, then you cannot endure. Unhealthy churches without sound doctrine do not endure. The bible is clear. Matthew 24:35--everything else in and on this earth will pass away, except for His word.
So endurance is not for the faint of heart; and a solid foundation on that which does not pass away can only fortify and build an enduring heart, like the one Paul had. And where does my "Paul-a" fit in? Well, so far, the bible's Paul has been my "Paul-a." His writings have kept me going when other trials loom large and tangle with my mind and heart. His writings have been closest to me when the lashing of human service have marked me. No local church is perfect. It is without a doubt that those that think they are, will fall.
But what my "Paul-a" would tell me would be that a healthy local church that preaches sound doctrine will endure because it is based on God's word. "Paul-a" would tell me that to quit the church is to quit being sanctified by the best sharpening tool imaginable. That true endurance can only be produced by those with long-lasting relationships that are called to forgive and forget in the midst of sin, human folly and even defection. (II Timothy 4:11) "Paul-a" would tell me to be on guard for there are wolves and tares in a healthy church that desire to see it's downfall. And finally, "Paul-a" would exhort me to learn, love and mature in all aspects of the faith (Ephesians 4:15) so that I might have the privilege of being a "Paul-a" to a young "me" some day.
I am learning over time that my truest desire is not that my own small Gentile ministry at home or small temporary church plant (which they participate in everything, but tithing--still searching scripture to figure out a way to implement church discipline!) would remember a Mom that could toothbrush clean or spend hours combing rug fibers to make them lay flat; but would remember their Mom as someone who had an all-consuming passion to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ her Lord and used those gifts to build up her home ministry and the local church for the long haul.
II Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;"
The other day, my oldest son was wearing his T-shirt with these words on it. It started me on a line of thinking that intersected with my current mental trial (please see previous post.) I don't have a Paul in my life. I guess it would be more fair (and more godly) to say, I don't really have a "Paul-a" in my life. Someone who is regenerated and has fought through countless physical and mental trials and; by His grace, has endured. Someone with an incredible hunger for theology and doctrine; knowing that any foundation of service is built on an endless knowledge of the Triune God. This woman would have an unquenchable thirst for sound teaching, a genuine grasp for the pinpoint accuracy of biblical doctrine, and a huge vocabulary of theological terms. My "Paul-a" would understand the importance of these and how a passion for seminary-level knowledge builds a fortified strength and belief system that can withstand the modern day shipwreck, beatings, false imprisonments and yes, even the occasional modern-day stoning. II Corinthians 11:23-28.
The Apostle Paul wrote II Timothy later on in his apostolic career. To say that he had already suffered a lot would be quite the understatement; but it's true. He wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome at a time when there was mass desertion of so-called disciples. But more than just a knowledgeable character, he practiced with consuming passion, all that he knew and taught. He was the imperfect, human model of humility. He loved with the kind of love that saturated his life and gave him the rare ability to see his church plants as his children. His patience with the sheep that he shepherd was limitless and he taught with the kind of long-suffering and endurance that was only built out of his clear understanding of who Christ was and who he was without Christ. And as a thanks for all of his work, a lot of his disciples left him. So what kept him going?
This is where I started building my perfect Titus 2 "Paul-a." I started thinking of her factory built-ins. I started detailing in my mind, what I thought she would spiritually look like; possess and desire. The list just kept getting longer, but ultimately, I knew that she would practice her knowledge with such preciseness and complete discernment that it could only be attributed to the true domination of the Holy Spirit that resided in her.
I realize this is quite a fantasy I have going on. But I am beginning to think that the desire that should grow inside every Titus 2 woman has that harmonious blend of knowledge and practice. The Proverbs 31 woman had it. Notice in Proverbs 31:26--this single verse embodies knowledge and practice of a godly, Titus woman who knows the complete scriptures by the wisdom and kindness she teaches. Where is she getting this wisdom? Any Proverbs 31 woman knows that the only wisdom is the wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord. She can only know to fear the Lord by reading His statutes and commandments--the bible.
There are a lot of women with either, but not both. Women who know so much head knowledge, but to see the practice in their lives is somewhat discouraging. Likewise, there are kind, faithful, loving women who wouldn't be able to simply distinguish between pneumotology and soteriology. That is equally discouraging.
Which brings me to the example of Paul. I can't imagine being taught by this man or being one of his first disciples. To see this man in action must have been pretty amazing....yet I guess there were many who remained unimpressed. Many who deserted. Those who were not as dazzled by this man's intelligence and abilities as I have been. So it leaves me to wonder what is the difference between those who imitate him (as he imitates Christ--I Corinthians 11:1) and those who sit under his teaching; read his letters first-hand; have visual knowledge of his earthly ministries; and yet defect?
The difference is endurance. To have a lasting ministry takes the divine factor that none of us called to know and serve can ever attain without the Triune God. I'm realizing that endurance is what separates the 'boys from the men'; 'girls from the gals.' Growing up in church and now being privileged to serve in my local church, I have had enough experience with professed believers to know that everyone has their proverbial shipwrecks, imprisonments, lashings, beatings and a plethora of other hardships. When you're dealing with humans on a regular basis, that is going to happen. We all have things that we think are the absolute worst thing that can happen to us and no one else understands me, me, me; but God, in His absolute detailed care of us, shows us that He does understand and allows human relationships (both joyous and sorrowful) to sanctify us; while we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12-13) In fact, those proverbial stonings have their place--read James 1:2-3. Trials produce endurance.
I realize now that the importance of the local church and why Paul's heart for healthy church plants was so that professed believers could be sanctified and produce endurance. In a healthy, imperfect church--there are enough sanctifying, heart-wrenching, gut-tearing afflictions that even if you're minimally involved, you will experience them.
In my lifetime, I've seen enough people quit church. I've heard a lot of excuses of why they don't go to church. Hypocrites, cold shoulders, lack of caring, polity run amok and the list goes on and on of so-called reasons. But if you're not a part of a healthy local church, then you cannot endure. Unhealthy churches without sound doctrine do not endure. The bible is clear. Matthew 24:35--everything else in and on this earth will pass away, except for His word.
So endurance is not for the faint of heart; and a solid foundation on that which does not pass away can only fortify and build an enduring heart, like the one Paul had. And where does my "Paul-a" fit in? Well, so far, the bible's Paul has been my "Paul-a." His writings have kept me going when other trials loom large and tangle with my mind and heart. His writings have been closest to me when the lashing of human service have marked me. No local church is perfect. It is without a doubt that those that think they are, will fall.
But what my "Paul-a" would tell me would be that a healthy local church that preaches sound doctrine will endure because it is based on God's word. "Paul-a" would tell me that to quit the church is to quit being sanctified by the best sharpening tool imaginable. That true endurance can only be produced by those with long-lasting relationships that are called to forgive and forget in the midst of sin, human folly and even defection. (II Timothy 4:11) "Paul-a" would tell me to be on guard for there are wolves and tares in a healthy church that desire to see it's downfall. And finally, "Paul-a" would exhort me to learn, love and mature in all aspects of the faith (Ephesians 4:15) so that I might have the privilege of being a "Paul-a" to a young "me" some day.
I am learning over time that my truest desire is not that my own small Gentile ministry at home or small temporary church plant (which they participate in everything, but tithing--still searching scripture to figure out a way to implement church discipline!) would remember a Mom that could toothbrush clean or spend hours combing rug fibers to make them lay flat; but would remember their Mom as someone who had an all-consuming passion to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ her Lord and used those gifts to build up her home ministry and the local church for the long haul.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Wimpy Theology Makes Wimpy Women...
I'm posting this link in hopes that many, if not all, who read this blog will click on the following link and read Dr. Piper's message at a national conference held in Chicago. The topic: Wimpy Theology Makes Wimpy Women.
**To any women: Please click on the link and read.
**To any men: Please have your wife, mother, sister, daughter read this. It's excellent.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByDate/2008/3296_The_Ultimate_Meaning_of_True_Womanhood/
**To any women: Please click on the link and read.
**To any men: Please have your wife, mother, sister, daughter read this. It's excellent.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByDate/2008/3296_The_Ultimate_Meaning_of_True_Womanhood/
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Grumbling, Mumbling and Stumbling
Lately, I've been going through an enormous mental trial that has kept me up at night and sometimes stops me in my daily housekeeping tracks. It's been an interesting exercise that has caused me to question some core issues in my life. Like, do I truly believe the whole bible to be true or am I still taking a Hometown Buffet approach to the word of God. I profess that I'm a true believe and follower of Christ (Romans 10:9.) I profess that I believe in the authority of Jesus as ruling over all, seen and unseen (Matthew 28:18.) I profess that I believe the inerrancy and authority of scripture (II Timothy 3:16.) But are my thoughts and intentions following suit or am I being a hypocrite (Mark 7:6)?
Enter, this mental trial. By the grace of God, it has clearly shown me what a low view of scripture I really have. It has shown me the great lengths that I will go to either skirt issues in my own personal thought, prayer or deeds life; or the layers of justifying that I will do to prove my case worthy of unrepentance. This has been my mode for the past few weeks.
Now, I want to be clear that this trial has not, as of yet, taken the form of sin in-and-of-itself. It has not morphed into a private sin of which needs confession. It has, however, flushed out some really ugly, miry clay stuff that I didn't realize existed. All kinds of muck has surfaced as a dirty result of the mental gymnastics happening in my head.
One such grotesque reaction has been complaining. Now those who know me know that I am prone to complaining. In my natural state, I actually enjoy it. There's something so releasing about complaining. There are a few angles, as I see it.
First, it makes me feel like a martyr. Complaining gives me that Joan-of-Arc, poor-me surge that fuels the pity party and everyone's invited--as long as I remain the star martyr.
Complaining also gives me a platform to which I can espouse many of my reasons (in full detail) of what in the world is wrong with this person or circumstance, and poor martyr me has to fix it.
Superiority. Complaining about something always gives me a sense of superiority. As long as I complain about the situation, then it feels as if I have a firm grasp of what's going on; or at least can assess a situation enough to have an opinion on it--even if it is totally off-based or worse yet, misinformed. Also, I feel a sort of rising in my status because complaining allows me to place the situation at my footstool. Only those who truly complain about a situation can really be superior to the situation. Blah!
Do you know people like this? Well, if you know me, then you can say yes to that last question. What's worse is the way I go about it.
I can hide my complaining in a number of different forms. Here's just a few:
1) Prayer request (Hey! Somebody's gotta pray for these low cards I've been dealt.)
2) Storytelling (Just telling a riveting story about how bad my life is.)
3) Suggestion Box (Let me tell you how to do things better by telling you what's wrong and what I don't like about something.)
Okay...what's the remedy? Well, let's get back to the word of God. Grumbling and complaining is simply a low view of God. It says, "I don't like this or that about my life and I've decided to 'voice' it." It doesn't have to be verbal or audible...some of my best complaining goes on in my head. The word of God says this, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among who you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." Philippians 2:14-16. My weak understanding of this passage is that the word "disputing" is actually an internal dialogue in your head. Internal complaining is one of my greatest strengths--or greatest weaknesses--depending on your angle.
So while there are many times that I can practice self-control in an audible way regarding complaining; internally, I am a web of grumbling deceit. My low view of God and His scriptures is the cause and the only way to combat such an internal struggle is with the sword of the Spirit.
In Philippians, God commands that we do all things without complaining. Why? So that we will be proven to be blameless and innocent. Do you know that we ruin and dishonor our testimony when we complain...especially in front of the world? We are to appear as lights, but with a grumbling tongue, we are not only light-less, but we have officially dishonored the word of God with our mouths. Our mouths can either display God's light and glory or displays a discontentment with God that leads to the "crooked and perverse generation" thinking only one thought--a low view of God and the scripture. But it starts with the internal war raging in my mind.
So I am resolved. While the battle rages on in my brain, I will fight wearing the entire armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-17) that starts with my thought life. By His grace, I will change my action and reaction to people and circumstances that does not include grumbling and complaining about where my Savior is leading me. And while He is leading, I have to stop this stumbling around in the complaining darkness. My focus must change; my view must be raised; the darkness must become light.
We all know people who outwardly complain, but I would guess there are far greater minions like myself. Those who outwardly practice self-control, but inwardly are wind-up complaining machines. The bible has a name for us--"hypocrites."
So, once again, I praise God for this mental trial that I know will be settled soon because decisions need to be made within a deadline. But until this trial is settled, there is much to be learned. God, in His everlasting and boundless kindness, has shown His detailed care for me by no longer allowing me to suppress a grumbling spirit, but leads me through a sanctifying trial to root out not just a grumbling tongue, but more importantly, a grumbling conscience.
Enter, this mental trial. By the grace of God, it has clearly shown me what a low view of scripture I really have. It has shown me the great lengths that I will go to either skirt issues in my own personal thought, prayer or deeds life; or the layers of justifying that I will do to prove my case worthy of unrepentance. This has been my mode for the past few weeks.
Now, I want to be clear that this trial has not, as of yet, taken the form of sin in-and-of-itself. It has not morphed into a private sin of which needs confession. It has, however, flushed out some really ugly, miry clay stuff that I didn't realize existed. All kinds of muck has surfaced as a dirty result of the mental gymnastics happening in my head.
One such grotesque reaction has been complaining. Now those who know me know that I am prone to complaining. In my natural state, I actually enjoy it. There's something so releasing about complaining. There are a few angles, as I see it.
First, it makes me feel like a martyr. Complaining gives me that Joan-of-Arc, poor-me surge that fuels the pity party and everyone's invited--as long as I remain the star martyr.
Complaining also gives me a platform to which I can espouse many of my reasons (in full detail) of what in the world is wrong with this person or circumstance, and poor martyr me has to fix it.
Superiority. Complaining about something always gives me a sense of superiority. As long as I complain about the situation, then it feels as if I have a firm grasp of what's going on; or at least can assess a situation enough to have an opinion on it--even if it is totally off-based or worse yet, misinformed. Also, I feel a sort of rising in my status because complaining allows me to place the situation at my footstool. Only those who truly complain about a situation can really be superior to the situation. Blah!
Do you know people like this? Well, if you know me, then you can say yes to that last question. What's worse is the way I go about it.
I can hide my complaining in a number of different forms. Here's just a few:
1) Prayer request (Hey! Somebody's gotta pray for these low cards I've been dealt.)
2) Storytelling (Just telling a riveting story about how bad my life is.)
3) Suggestion Box (Let me tell you how to do things better by telling you what's wrong and what I don't like about something.)
Okay...what's the remedy? Well, let's get back to the word of God. Grumbling and complaining is simply a low view of God. It says, "I don't like this or that about my life and I've decided to 'voice' it." It doesn't have to be verbal or audible...some of my best complaining goes on in my head. The word of God says this, "Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among who you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." Philippians 2:14-16. My weak understanding of this passage is that the word "disputing" is actually an internal dialogue in your head. Internal complaining is one of my greatest strengths--or greatest weaknesses--depending on your angle.
So while there are many times that I can practice self-control in an audible way regarding complaining; internally, I am a web of grumbling deceit. My low view of God and His scriptures is the cause and the only way to combat such an internal struggle is with the sword of the Spirit.
In Philippians, God commands that we do all things without complaining. Why? So that we will be proven to be blameless and innocent. Do you know that we ruin and dishonor our testimony when we complain...especially in front of the world? We are to appear as lights, but with a grumbling tongue, we are not only light-less, but we have officially dishonored the word of God with our mouths. Our mouths can either display God's light and glory or displays a discontentment with God that leads to the "crooked and perverse generation" thinking only one thought--a low view of God and the scripture. But it starts with the internal war raging in my mind.
So I am resolved. While the battle rages on in my brain, I will fight wearing the entire armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-17) that starts with my thought life. By His grace, I will change my action and reaction to people and circumstances that does not include grumbling and complaining about where my Savior is leading me. And while He is leading, I have to stop this stumbling around in the complaining darkness. My focus must change; my view must be raised; the darkness must become light.
We all know people who outwardly complain, but I would guess there are far greater minions like myself. Those who outwardly practice self-control, but inwardly are wind-up complaining machines. The bible has a name for us--"hypocrites."
So, once again, I praise God for this mental trial that I know will be settled soon because decisions need to be made within a deadline. But until this trial is settled, there is much to be learned. God, in His everlasting and boundless kindness, has shown His detailed care for me by no longer allowing me to suppress a grumbling spirit, but leads me through a sanctifying trial to root out not just a grumbling tongue, but more importantly, a grumbling conscience.
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